Expanding Horizons: Recent Episodes
SA Unitarians
Kris leads today's service with a reflection on gratitude, and some of the ways which we can cultivate it in our lives.
Kris describes the attributes of the Hero, and the spiritual benefits from analysis of a number of Heroic myths and tales.
Kris leads today's service, sharing his thoughts about the importance of resilience and the tools we can use to combat challenges in our lives.
This week, Kris introduces guest speaker Amanda. She shares an archetype from Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung; the Shadow, namely, unconscious negative parts of a personality that have been repressed, as well as positive qualities that may be embraced.
The problems that come from self-deception are well-known and are illustrated in stories from around the world. The feelings and motivations that we reject in ourselves often hide in our subconscious and can come out in unforeseen ways, leading to more suffering. Here Kris explores the ways Jungian and Buddhist philosophies address this major vulnerability of the human ego and points out ways we can begin to face the issues we hide from ourselves.
Kris leads today's service, and invites Di Russell to speak about our three gifts; Life, Mind and Faith.
Kris discusses the signposts on the path to spiritual fulfilment; Disquiet, The Search, The Answer, Crisis, Renewal, Detachment and Reconnection.
Taking lessons from these signposts can lead us to becoming wiser, kinder, more loving people.
Equanimity is not indifference, emotional suppression, or passivity. True equanimity is a state of engaged, balanced presence where you see things clearly and respond without being reactive.
Unitarian member Jennie leads this podcast episode; sharing engaging view points from a selection of stories.
Why is the story of Frankenstein's Monster so popular, even over 200 years since it was written by Mary Shelley? The original title gives a hint: "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus". Mary Shelley was inspired in part by a classic myth and, like all great stories, it reflects many enduring themes, such as loss, guilt, father-child relationships, and the consequences of defying nature's laws. Here Kris explores these themes and their links to spirituality.
Join Kris for an exploration of the Danish concept of "Hygge": a perfect topic for a chilly wet week in South Australia (and anywhere). Why not follow the Danish example and bring more hygge into your daily life?
Join Kris Hanna and guest speaker Lyndy Abrams for an exploration of The Six Perfections, a set of spiritual qualities cultivated by Buddhist practitioners.
We don’t talk about miracles much, but on the 17th of May Kris unpacked a valuable 20th Century Christian text: A Course in Miracles, by Helen Schucman. While couched in Christian terms, the author's philosophy incorporates modern psychology and focuses on love, relationships and inner growth. Thus you may find it to be a valuable guide to your spiritual path.
Kris discusses a selection of motherhood statements, in gratitude and celebration of the mothers and mother figures in our lives.
Kris explores with us, some of the ways that we might bring love and social justice into our own daily practices, from the life and words of Martin Luther King Jr.
Kris explores paths to maturing emotionally, mentally and spiritually using stories old and new.
Here Kris speaks on the topic of "War and Peace." With Anzac day arriving, Kris shares his thought about war, and the true path to peace.
Following on from his overview of the Book of Mark two weeks ago, Kris shares the beginning of the story of Yeshuah as told by Mark, and suggests some messages that people on a progressive spiritual path can take to heart. For example, what do the teachings of Yeshuah have in common with Taoism? Listen and find out!
This week, Kris invited a guest, Colin Darcy, from the Theosophical Society in Adelaide to speak about the organisation's principles and history. Theosophy was born in the late 19th Century, when spiritual teachings of "the East" were beginning to attract interest among those in the West who were dissatisfied with traditional Christianity. Listen to find out more about the charismatic founders of the movement, their legacy, and similarities to Unitarianism.
In today's address, Kris provides an introduction to the book of Mark in the Christian Bible. He reviews the historical and theological context in which it was written, as the message of Yeshuah was being debated and disseminated in the century following his death. He points out ways that Mark's theology differs from Unitarian thinking, but also sets the stage for examining what Yeshuah's ethical teachings, as told by Mark, can still teach us all today. Over three weeks, starting 15 June, Kris will elaborate on this. Listen on!
This week, Kris reflects on the messages in the letter written by "James" which forms a chapter in the Christian Bible. He outlines the context of the letter: the debates over the legacy of Yeshua, in the years following his death, between the followers of James and the followers of Paul. Kris shows that James has advice on the topics of love and peace, ambitions and hardship, and cautious communication, that are useful for anyone exploring a spiritual path.
This week, guest speaker Lyndy Abrams of Buddha House in Adelaide explains some of the beliefs of Buddhism. Like Christianity, Buddhism espouses compassion, while it differs by seeing life as "samsara", an unending cycle of cause and effect.
On Mother's Day, Kris reflects on why we should cultivate gratitude to our mothers and to others who have nurtured us in our lives. He discusses how our relationships with our mothers (or other primary nurturer) influence on our psychic development. But as adults, we can take responsibility to understand our mother's effect on us and choose to let go of the influences that are not helpful to us, while affirming our own innate worth and dignity and capacity to love.
The Enneagram system was developed by Osacar Ichazo in the 1950's as a way to categorise and understand human personalities. Here Kris outlines the background and basics of the Enneagram system, from its ancient beginnings to the modern day. Enneagrams may be useful as a way to develop the strengths and understand the weaknesses within each of our personalities, and perhaps help us journey towards transcending them!
Abraham Maslow developed a general framework for what motivates human behaviour in 1943. It has remained well-known, despite receiving much criticism and elaboration since then. Here, Kris explores how Maslow's hierarchy of needs can help us in understanding our own motivations as we move along our spiritual journeys.
This year, Easter and Anzac Day fall in the same week. In his address, Kris reflects on the common theme of sacrifice at the core of both holidays. Even without fully accepting the mythology associated with the events that inspired these holidays, we can respect and be inspired by the sacrifices that were made.
In uncertain times, we need good vibes more than ever. This week, Kris continued his reflections on 20 practical ways to uplift our spirits. Which one appeals to you?
Discipline is essential if one is to embark on the spiritual path. With a disciplined mind one can truly choose how one behaves. Kris reflects on 12 ways to help us develop healthy self-discipline, including reading, simplifying your life and making time for solitude. These can help us find more grace and peace in our lives.
Buddhism appeals to many spiritual seekers because its logical philosophy offers a clear pathway to wisdom and peace. Here, Kris outlines the basics of Buddhism and explores how we can use its teachings and practices to assist in our own spiritual journeys and to bring peace to ourselves and our world.
In this week's podcast, Kris takes inspiration from the "Good Vibes" program of the Oasis Centre at Flinders University. The Good Vibes program suggests 20 tactics that can help us feel better in our lives. Today Kris reflects on ten of these. From mindfulness and meditation to expressing kindness, these practices can help us feel better and progress on our spiritual journey. Listen on and perhaps pick one "tactic" to focus on in the coming week.
Todays address explores the meaning and history behind the traditional Unitarian Universalist "water communion" ritual. What began as a part of the women's movement in the 70's has lived on as a symbol of the dignity and worth of every member of our beloved Unitarian communities, where all individuals can mix in harmony and nurture life.
"If you are quiet enough, you will hear the flow of the universe." In this address, Kris explores the value of silence to one's spiritual path. Why do we crave silence? And why is so hard to find, both within ourselves and without? Here are some suggestions for harvesting the wisdom of silence.
This week Kris led a gathering at our Shady Grove property in the Adelaide Hills on the topic of "A Holy Month". Kris explores how the stories and practices of many of the world's religions highlight the spiritual significance of this time of the year.
This week a guest, the Rev Jonathan Barker, gave an address in which he examined the critical issues facing the future of humanity. The talk was organized around 5 key words: Globality, Hybridity, Polarization, Chosen-ness, and Religion. Rev Barker finds hope for the future in envisioning a new "21st Century religious sensibility" that can transcend existing religions and bind humanity together.
This week Kris explores the gnostic themes present in the 1998 film "The Truman Show". The protagonist, Truman, goes on a quest to find the truth behind the facade of his everyday life. His journey mirrors that of many seekers of wisdom, passing through stages of questioning, seeking, detaching, loving instead of fearing, and liberation.
What would you do if there was no tomorrow? If every day was the same and you were stuck here and you couldn't get out? Today Kris interprets the film "Groundhog Day" as a metaphor for the journey of spiritual growth. How can we live today with enough joy and authenticity that we would be happy to re-live our lives again?
Today's podcast is about a spiritual tradition that falls outside the domain of Church. Kris reflects on the origin and less esoteric practices of freemasonry.
Readings and music set the scene for Kris's exploration of the benefits and challenges of the practice of meditation. He discusses how meditation involves deep relaxation, concentration, and maybe something more...
Today's service, punctuated by bird calls and a low-flying light plane - was a combined service at Shady Grove, led by our Minister, Kris Hanna. We were privy to the remarkable, innermost thoughts of a young man, and his observations and resolutions about how he will conduct his life. Towards the end of Kris's address, this young diarist's identity is revealed. Listen on!
Our guest speaker is Joanne Giannes who offers Group and Individual healing and transformation through leadership training and therapy counselling in many different forms. Joanne speaks to us about "Forgiveness & Well-being". She begins her talk: "Forgiveness, like well-being is a verb. It's not a noun. It's an ongoing commitment, not without its obstacles. Collectively and individually we treat these aspects separately and yet most of us know - deep down, that they are deeply interconnected. Having a forgiving nature plays a crucial role in bringing them into harmony. We have the power to rewrite our stories, re-shaping the narratives of our grievances". Joanne's talk is not to be missed!
Today we celebrate the 'Flower Communion' of Unitarian, Dr Norbert Capek and its messages of Hope, Compassion, Peace and Loving kindness that blossomed in the decade before the ravages of Nazism swept waves of hate, intolerance and genocide across the globe. And in a world where we hear once again, the drum-roll of regional and global conflict, what qualities will we resolve to take from our 'Flower Service' (our Flower Communion) today, into our less-certain tomorrows?
We were privileged to have South Australian Greens Senator, Barbara Pocock deliver the Catherine Helen Spence Oration at the University of South Australia's Pridham Hall on the 17th October, 2024.
Barbara began by taking us into the political and legislative milieu of the late 19th Century - Colonial, and early 20th Century - Australian politics, and the Constitutional and Democratic inequities of the era, that Catherine Helen Spence faced daily, and how she brought about effective legislative and social reforms - of which we are the beneficiaries.
Barbara then takes us into our contemporary Australian political milieu, and the Constitutional and Democratic inequities she faces every day in the way Power is played out in our Federal Parliament, how it's reported, what's being done about it - and what needs to be done - to return Democracy to Australia. A compelling journey with Sen. Barbara Pocock - not to be missed by those who are concerned about Australia's current political trajectory and especially by those who have - until now, been apathetic!
On this Sunday immediately following Yom Kippur, Eran - a member of our Unitarian Community links the spiritual significance of this Jewish holy Day of Atonement with the events of October 7th, which triggered the escalating war between the State of Israel, Palestinians and some neighboring States. Out of the maelstrom of the ongoing political conflict, Eran laments missed opportunities and failed initiatives for peace in the Middle East. However there is also an unbroken thread of hope within the fabric of despair: unheralded peace initiatives from both Islamic and Jewish peacemakers, working together to weave a new fabric of hope.
Today's topic - "A Higher Power?!", follows last week's talk about Theology. Kris begins with a question: "Do you conceive of a higher power than yourself ...higher than your own ego!?"
Kris borrows 12 "virtues" developed by one of the Alcoholics Anonymous groups from the AA founder, Bill Wilson's 12 steps to addiction recovery. These 12 virtues may light the paths you take towards that "Highest Power" that some call God.
Kris quickly leads us into the essence of Theology: by asking such questions as: What is the nature of God? If there is a God - or Gods - does it provide an answer to the question - What is the meaning and purpose of my life? What is our relationship - as human beings - to God? If there is a God, what relationship should we have with each other? ...and what relationship should we have with animals and with Nature? If there is an ideal, ethical way to behave, what happens if we fall short? ....and what has God got to do with that? What is the relevance of God to the end of this individual earthly existence which each one of us faces? And then there is the Epicurian paradox: "If God is All Knowing, All Powerful, and Good - then how can suffering, let alone Evil be allowed to exist? Why are we even talking about God? ...Or Godness?
Contrary to many Faith traditions that provide answers to such theological questions, with certainty and conviction, Kris's Unitarian approach is more nuanced. And he leaves us with a challenge for the week. Do listen on!
Today, Kris reflects on the new spiritual impulse spreading through Europe in the last half of the 19th Century, energised by scientific discoveries that questioned the dogma and doctrinal inertia of the established Christian churches. The disenchanted turned to alternative spiritual pathways. Interest in Occultism, Mysticism, Spiritualism, Kabollah, Buddhism, Yoga, grew and gave renewed impetus to movements such as The Theosophical Society, Freemasonry - and Unitarianism.
Kris's focus today is on the spiritual journey of the Russian novelist, Leo Tolstoy, as reflected in his writings, and culminating in his ex-communication from the Russian Orthodox Chuch and his last opus, "The Pathway of Life" - published posthumously. We are left to ponder the pathways we have chosen on our spiritual journeys.
Kris's address today: "In Praise of Relaxation" goes beyond the superficial indulgences and distractions that pass for "relaxation" in the minds of many. Kris builds for us the concept of 'Fundamental Relaxation' which is essential for our spiritual growth and the foundation of spiritual practice
He asks: "How then do we achieve this relaxed state while still being intensely (fully) conscious?" Listen on for some of the practicalities of "Fundamental Relaxation".
Kris concludes:- "Become the witness of all phenomena that you see - and be free!"
Senior Yoga Teacher, Vani Shukla returns to introduce us to the "Principles and Benefits of Yoga Practice" - a journey towards self-awareness, inner peace and balance. Vani commenced with the very basics: correcting the "strine" pronunciation of Yoga "Yow - (as in "row"-a-boat" - Gar" to "Yo-ga" - with a shortened "o" and "u" as a very basic first step towards showing some credibility in our understanding of Yoga.
"Yoga" comes from the Sanskrit root - "Yuj" meaning to unite or join "individual consciousness" with "universal consciousness".
Vani then introduced us briefly to the "8 Limbs of Yoga" known as Ashtanga Yoga. As with the limbs of the human body, the 8 Limbs of the Ashtanga - must also grow together: Limb 1 - Yama; Limb 2 - Niyama; Limb 3 - Asana (Physical postures); Limb 4 - Pranayama (Breathing practices); Limb 5 - Pratyahar (Control of senses); (Limbs 6 & 7 - Dhana and Dhyana (Meditation practices); Limb 8 - Samadhi (The "Balanced state of Being"). Under Vani's expert guidance, we then - very briefly - put the Ashtanga into practice in what little time remained.
Kris's address today - "Kicking goals", is all about finding direction in our lives: - "our need of a compass rather than a gps" to navigate our lives through calm - as well as stormy - weather. "But - are you ready for the journey?" Kris asks.
Kris begins today with the inevitable question asked of Unitarians: "What do you stand for?" Christians or Post-Christians who subscribe to a Faith tradition that adheres to a Credo dictating what the faithful are to believe - are especially curious.
Kris suggests an appropriate rejoiner is: "This is a place where we Unitarians are free to explore what we stand for". And while Unitarians belong to a "non-credal" tradition, it's not that we are without beliefs and the consensus needed to define ourselves as Unitarians. Kris explores just what those beliefs are, how we came by them and how even those beliefs are capable of refinement as societal values and the stuctures that defined them, undergo change.
Today's service was blessed with choral music from Margaret Lambert and the Terrace Singers. Their choral contribution has been added to today's Expanding Horizons. To hear them, just continue playing the sound track of today's service.
At a "packed" Shady Grove combined service this morning, Kris continues his narrative on Prague Unitarians - Czechian Unitarianism - its founder, Norbert Čapek and the influence of Tomáš Masaryk, who later became the Founding Father of Czechoslovakia. Kris also reads to us our seven (UUA) Unitarian Principles, which we are in the process of revising - followed by a reading of the nine Unitarian Principles of the Prague Unitarians. We also savoured fresh strawberries for reasons that Kris explains. And Brendan played some much-loved Mozart and Beethoven on the piano keyboard he brought with him.
Today, Kris leads us into the life of Baruch (Benedictus) de Spinoza, the 17th Century Portuguese-Jewish philosopher of the 'Dutch Golden Age' who heralded in the Age of Enlightenment. Unitarians may discover that they share a lot in common with Baruch Spinoza.
Kris has returned from his annual leave which included a visit to the Český lid Unitarians in Prague. Although he arrived home yesterday, no-doubt jet-lagged, he uses this opportunity to report back to Adelaide Unitarians about the many things we share, but also describes some innovations from which we may benefit. Listen on for some glimpses of what he might have in store for us!
Jennie begins her address, today with an assertion of social commentator, Hugh MacKay's - in his book - The Way We Are - "that we are not as well equipped as previous generations to deal with sustained challenge". In probing and testing this assertion, Jennie takes a contemporary snapshot of the way we are, commencing with the bushfires of 2019-2020 and the Covid-19 Lockdowns that followed. Jenny draws on the strength and spirituality of poetry emanating from The Effective Living Centre of the Uniting Church, Wayville to help in her evaluation of how we Australians are faring. Are we wilting at the external and internal challenges Australians - young, old and in-between - are now facing? Listen on!
In this address, Aaron reintroduces us to Monsters - whose personification - or rather "monster-fication" is Fear.
Helen's reading leads us into Monsters: "The truth is this: every monster you have ever met...was once a human being with a soul that was once as soft as silk. Someone stole that silk from their soul and turned them into this. So when you see a monster next, always remember this: Do not fear the thing before you, fear the thing that created it instead".
After Pauline led us in meditation, Aaron soon reveals that, with a little editing by Pauline, it was composed by a "new-ish" monster - one which we now call "AI" (but one that must draw from the well-spring of human wisdoms) Aaron sees our darker and lighter sides as analogous to two wolves: one of darkness; one of light - each vying for dominance. The one we fear is the one that grows. There is wisdom in identifying the dark wolf in ourselves. Aaron's address is about facing our fears: Embracing, accepting and integrating them!
In this address, Aaron reintroduces us to Monsters - whose personification - or rather "monster-fication" is Fear.
Helen's reading leads us into Monsters: "The truth is this: every monster you have ever met...was once a human being with a soul that was once as soft as silk. Someone stole that silk from their soul and turned them into this. So when you see a monster next, always remember this: Do not fear the thing before you, fear the thing that created it instead".
Aaron soon reveals that the reading he chose was composed by a "new-ish" monster - one which we now call "AI" (but one that must draw from the well-spring of human wisdoms on fear?) Aaron sees our darker and lighter sides as analogous to two wolves: one of darkness; one of light - each vying for dominance. The one we fear is the one that grows. There is wisdom in identifying the dark wolf in ourselves. Aaron's address is about facing our fears: Embracing, accepting and integrating them!
Through the medium of Boris Pasternak's novel, Dr Zhivago, Peter takes us on a nostalgic journey through the political upheavals that occurred within Russian society a little over a century ago, as Communists wrestled power from Czarist Russia. Peter's address focuses on the despair caused when ideals for a better, fairer, more equitable society fall short of expectations. Peter uses the plots and sub-plots within Dr Zhivago, and the life of its author, Nobel Laureate - Boris Pasternak, to dramatise how Czarist hegemony was replaced with one under the guise of "Communism" - but falling well short of the Marxist ideal. Alas, poor Russia! The nightmare of Zhivago continues, much to Russia's, its neighbours' - and the rest of the World's cost. Perhaps Russia's greatest fear has always been its fear of itself: our greatest enemy is always the "enemy within". The exercise of power must also come with liberties: checks and balances that allow dissent to be heard and injustices resolved peacefully and fairly.
Peter's address closes with Janet's reading of Pasternak's hope that "The Power of the darkness, will - in time - be crushed by the Spirit of Light". And today we are bathed in the light of Barry and Brendan's playing of three of Dvorak's short romantic sonatas for violin and piano. And Boris smiled!
Kris's address is the sequel to an earlier address he gave on the seven sins: - focusing today on seven virtues. Kris draws inspiration from an affirmation by the Roman Stoic Philosopher, Seneca, - of the joy that comes with living the virtuous life.
Kris poses the question Seneca posed 2000 years ago: "- for what prevents us from saying that the happy life is to have a mind that is free, lofty, fearless and steadfast - a mind that is placed beyond the reach of fear, beyond the reach of desire, that counts virtue the only good, baseness the only evil, and all else but a worthless mass of things...”
Kris then asks: "What are these virtues?" Listen on to discover which virtues Kris unfolds for us.
Today, Zainab tells the story of her family's escape from Iraq when she was a 10 year old:-
- her family's perilous journey at the hands of people smugglers on an overcrowded Indonesian fishing boat;
- abandoned by the crew;
- discovered by the Australian Navy;
- her family's arrival in Darwin;
- confined to the Woomera Detention Centre -
before Zainab and her family were released to flourish here in Adelaide.
(My apologies to Zainab and our listeners for the poorer quality of the sound-recording of today's service. Our old computer failed and and I was forced to rely on my back-up recorder.)
The subject we reflect on today is "10 Things for Humans to Know". Kris reflects on some contemporary rules to guide human conduct and some rules from the past. He then concludes with the response of the avatar - "Chat GPT" when it was asked for ten humanitarian rules. What was generated "robotically" by Chat GPT's Artificial Intelligence resolved into rules very much like our Unitarian Principles. Curious? Coincidental? Or perhaps the Chat GPT avatar was simply reflecting consensus on humanitarian values shared by many. Listen on to discover what these rules were.
Kris's address during National Reconciliation Week, focused on reconciliation with First Nations people. Kris briefly explores the history of Reconciliation:- commencing with restraint in the face of provocation between a Guugu Yimithirr elder and Captain Cook, the Constitutional change brought about by our most successful national referendum which gave the Commonwealth the power to make laws regarding Aboriginal People, the decision of the High Court in the Eddie Mabo case - recognising "Native Title", the "Uluru Statement From the Heart", the failure of our most recent referendum to give First Nations people a "Voice to Parliament" - and with passing reference to the 'Journey towards Reconciliation' in New Zealand, South Africa and Israel-Palestine. The service ended with discussion on a "wish list" for Reconciliation.
Today, with the focus of today's service on 'conversation', Kris introduced Rev. Dave - visiting our church again, from the USA. In the course of their conservation, Kris asked Rev. Dave about his rules for living a good life. Dave responded with four rules:-
- The 12 O'Clock Rule
- The 30 second Rule
- The 13% Rule and
-
Rule number 6 -
-
but you'll need to listen to today's podcast for Dave's explanation of each.
Our service ended with our conversation as we responded to several of Rev. Dave's discussion starters designed to get to know each other better and to hone our listening skills.
Kris approaches today's address: "Transcending the human condition" (Transcendence) with some questions:-
"What do we mean by being human? - able to rise above our animal instincts?"
"How do we go from being "nice", "reasonable" people to a state of Transcendence?"
"How do we move beyond moral development to spiritual development?"
"What holds us back?"
"What might help us to rise above the compulsion of our human instincts - to let go of the need to meet those basic human urges ...to a state of Transcendence: beyond distractions, beyond moral development to spiritual development?"
"What space is there in your life for "The Spirit"?"
"How will you create that space in your life?" - It may mean "letting-go"!
Kris offers some suggestions and ends with a story for us all.
Today, Mothers Day, 2024, Kris explores the role of Motherhood and the impact Mothers have had on the lives of their children.
Kris begins his address with a question: "Who was Georg Philipp Friedrich Fruihwald von Hadenburg - alias Novalis?" a corruption from di Novali - "The Newcomers" - the name his ancestors gave to themselves when they settled on their land. Novalis b. 1772, was a Lutheran, (Pietist) mystic, in awe of the beauty and mystery of Nature and the universe that surrounded him. It was the beginning of the Age of Reason that applied Reason and Intellect to understand Nature and God. As a young mystic poet, novelist and philosopher, aged only 28, Novalis contracted tuberculosis or cystic fibrosis and died at 29 but had packed so much into his short life. Kris's biographical research will encourage you to listen on to find out more about the contribution of this young, free-thinker and "Unitarian", who expressed his "Thoughts - through Philosophy" and his "Feelings - through Poetry", but concluding - "Humanity is a comic role"?
Kris introduces us to a remarkable, Eastern Orthodox Church which has stood in Gaza City for more than a millennium - resolute, obdurate - a beacon of hope and tolerance amidst the rubble, turmoil and despair.
Kris asks - "What lessons can we learn from the microcosm that is this Church of Saint Porphyrius. They were lessons that needed to be learned by Saint Porphyrios himself.
A New Beatitude? - "Blessed are those who practice Tzedekah!"
In the context of an approaching Anzac Day, Kris begins today's address today by reading our seven Unitarian Principles. Altruistic as these 'Seven Principles' are as Unitarian Universalist aspirations for a better world for all, the community consensus with which they are received encourages "a certain kind of passivity" ... lip service?
"Something is missing!", Kris observes.
It's this missing thread - in the 'aspirational fabric' of our seven principles that Kris weaves into his Anzac Day address: "Courage & Sacrifice". It elevates our Seven Principles beyond banality ...beyond tokenism. It will strengthen our Unitarian fabric, but it will take us out of our comfort zone. What is Courage? Who...What are the dissuaders of us acting courageously when challenged? Do I ... Do you... Do we - have what it takes to act courageously? Listen on!
Those lucky enough to be born in the Chinese "Year of the Dragon" are said to be endowed with Power, Abundance, Majesty and Longevity. Kris's address today takes its title from Bruce "The Dragon" Lee's martial arts film - "Enter the Dragon". It is about a darker side: that "dragon" within ourselves and commences with a reading from an interview with the Mythologist, Joseph Campbell.
At the outset, Kris asks us: "Have you got your 'inner dragon' under control?"
Well have you? Listen on to find out.
Today Kris delves into the symbolism behind the plot of the 1990s film "The Matrix", drawing from the Matrix's similarities with the Martin Scorsese film, "The Last Temptation of Christ, the folk-law of the Greek heroes and (Joseph Campbell's) The Hero's journey". There is also a Christian context to the symbolism of "The Matrix". Kris asks - "What is Reality? It is also about the choices we make - or choose not to make, and the consequences of our choices. So often it's a choice between complacency, stasis - or risk the unknown. Our journey is all about exploring Reality. It's about discovery, especially "self-discovery", risk taking, growth, especially treading the spiritual path - a spiritual journey leading to spiritual growth. Intellect will only take us so far. Listen on to begin - or to continue - your spiritual journey. Kris concludes: "Let us choose Love!"
On this third day of Easter, Resurrection Day, in an address called "Risen", Kris explores some of the Resurrection Mythology from other cultures and religious traditions that preceded the New Testament account of the bodily resurrection of Jesus. Kris asks: "Why have humans throughout history and in so many cultures from around the world, woven stories of Gods - and even ordinary people like us, dying and being reborn again?"
It is still all about Hope, suggests Kris. But it's something more certain than our own immortality. What's more - it's something we are all capable of, and it's something we can - each of us - take away with us today.
Today, as the focus of our Easter service, Kris talks about Courage in defiance of Authority:-
- that ultimate sacrifice of Jesus as Messiah, - to the Jews, that ultimate blasphemy.
To get us into an Easter mind-set, Kris asks us some key questions:-
- Is there a cause we feel very strongly about?
- How far would we be prepared to go in pursuit of that cause - especially if we were challenged by Authority?
- Would we be prepared to make that ultimate sacrifice - of our life in fulfillment of that cause?
We learn of one Messiah who made that ultimate sacrifice and is remembered;
- another, "wanna-be" 'messiah' who fell short but lived to tell the story - albeit one of capitulation to power - of failure and ignominy.
Today our young people joint with us in celebrating our annual water "communion" . We were each given an opportunity to contribute our water offering to the common bowl which our young then carried out with them to to add to our garden, to feed other living plants and animals. As our water has intermingled, so do we. It is it illusiory to think that we are all separate. Today we come together to celebrate the wonderful diversity of cultures to be experienced in Adelaide; yet we are still - One Humanity, united by our common needs far more than what may divide.
In extending this water theme, Grant reads from the poet, Rumi about water followed by Kris's reflections on water. Despite the illusion that we are solid, Kris points to the the disproportionate amount of water that comprises all life on earth - the "sine-qua-non" of life - "without which we are nothing". Kris then reflected on Babylonian and Jewish creation myths separating water and sky (the firmament). And when humans arrive - well, that's when all the trouble began! Other water practices include ritual cleansing, immersion (the Jewish, Miqveh), absolution, baptism, "World Water Day", "Water for Peace" , ...the needs of Palestinians in Gaza and Rafah! We need the thirst to become better people!
Listen on for more of Kris reflections on what was a memorable celebration of Water!
Kris commences "Getting ready for a new year" with some illustrations and observations on ancient stone monuments, astronomically aligned to identify the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, which - since the stone age, heralded in the commencement of a new year. With Spring came fresh aspirations, to be energised into new resolutions for the year ahead: in Japan: Shunbun no Hi; amongst Kurdish and Iranian people - it's the rapidly approaching Nowruz.
Kris observes that the sum of our past thought and actions bear fruit and we "reap what we sow." Hopefully that fruit is wisdom and - if not loving - then at least positive, productive relationships that we can build upon.
Kris asks: "How did you go with your New Year resolutions?" We are invited to start afresh with the approaching Nowruz of the Kurdish and Persians? However, it's not the day or date - but the strength of our resolve to bring about change within ourselves that really matters. A New Year - the time for new resolve, a fresh start - can be any day, like now!
Kris begins the denouement of this address with a memorable quote from Unitarian, Ralph Waldo Emerson - "....every day is the best day of the year...." and follows this with some ideas for new resolutions which I found to be very relevant. Hopefully, you will too! So do listen on!
Today we were privileged to have Salim return to address us about Islam, and especially the Islamic practices and observances during Ramadan - commencing after sunset, tomorrow. After his address, Salim gave us all the chance to ask some questions about Ramadan, and Kris followed with some questions of his own.
Today we were privileged to have Salim return to address us about Islam, and especially the Islamic practices and observances during Ramadan - commencing after sunset, tomorrow. After his address, Salim gave us all the chance to ask some questions about Ramadan, and Kris followed with some questions of his own.
Kris commences his address "What (Do) We Stand For!?" at our Vespers Service at Shady Grove today with an anecdote that comes in the form of a criticism of Unitarians and Unitarianism: "You don't stand for anything!"
Perhaps the criticism was from a person searching for the certainties of a creed and we are a Non-Credal church. But it's not that we are without beliefs, principles - certainties even! It's just that we are free to decide what those certainties are. Unitarianism is older than Trinitarianism, and today, Kris answers that criticism with What We Do Stand For.
Australian Unitarians find themselves historically, philosophically and globally - midway between British Unitarianism and American Unitarian Universalism. Kris's address today considers where we've been as Unitarians, where we're at -now, and where we might be heading. We have some decisions to make!
Kris's Address today is on the Buddhist approach to living - The "Eight-fold Path" to Enlightenment, based on the Four Noble Truths:-
- that suffering is an inevitable part of living-
-
- whose causes can be determined.
- It's possible to escape suffering and-
- there is a path - the "eight-fold path" we can follow to end suffering.
The Buddha's practical guide to effective living is as relevant to our living today as it was 2,500 years ago.
Kris explains the Eight-fold path: Right View; Right Intention (or Resolve); Right Speech; Right Action; Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness; Right Concentration. The Eight-fold Path is not an ordered sequence of steps to follow - but more like eight spokes of a wheel, each playing their part - in keeping the wheel turning, true! And then there's the role of Meditation. Kris also sets us some homework! - And some challenges!
In "Paul versus Jerusalem" Kris takes us on a fascinating journey from radical Judaism to Orthodox Christianity. We explore with Kris - the journey of the Jewish Pharisee, Paul. Born to privilege in Tarsus - initially a persecutor of Jews who had believed early accounts of Jesua's teachings, miracles, crucifixion and resurrection. Paul, their persecutor, in his "Road to Damascus" moment of conversion, was to soon to join those he persecuted, ultimately to die - a Martyr. Early Christians had formed a revolutionary break-away sect of Judaism - soon to morph into the early Christian Church. Kris traces Paul's - and the Christian Church's separation from orthodox Jewish traditions, beliefs and practises. In James's writing we glimpse the early debate between himself and Paul and other early Christians about Faith and (good) Works. Is Faith enough to ensure salvation? Paul's letters and those of Peter and James were soon augmented by other early Christian writers who wrote under the pseudonyms of Paul, Peter and James to develop a distinctively "Christian" doctrine for Gentiles, spreading beyond Jerusalem especially after it was destroyed by the Romans, beyond Jewry - to Gentiles, to Rome and to the world.
Today I dig down into the true meaning of the Beatitudes (St Matthew Chapters 5-7) as taught by Jesus in his "Sermon On The Mount", over two Millennia ago. To help me, I use the scholarship of the Presbyterian theologian, the Late Rev. Professor William Barclay, who studied the ancient Aramaic language spoken by Jeshua - in Germany, in the years prior to the outbreak of WW2. It is only by revealing the ancient Aramaic meaning of these eight Beatitudes that their meaning, power and relevance shine through to illuminate our lives, today. Ironically, these wisdoms were taught in a land that now reverberates with the sounds of war, rendering the Holy Land, "Unholy". These eight Beatitudes point the way to peace - within ourselves and between neighbours, communities, and nations. My address today is graced by excerpts from two late Mozart Sonatas for Violin and Piano: K 269 and K 301, played to us by Margaret (piano) and Barry (violin).
Today, Kris explores the 'medieval?' pursuit of Alchemy. Many of the concepts of the Alchemists are still relevant within our lives, today: Change and Transformation - as expressed in the Arts, in Psychology, in spiritual writings, and in our search for that 'holy grail' of a transforming, spiritual dimension to our lives.
Kris's insights today may help us in the 'alchemy' of our own spiritual transformation: - from the literal objectivity of the alchemist (scientist?) - towards the mystical: - that "letting go" of all our hurts to allow for regrowth and transformation towards more loving, kinder people and towards a deeper spirituality, - towards better selves, - an 'alchemy' of insight, understanding and transformation that we are all searching for.
The first part of today's service was a celebration of our young people - traditionally called "the "blessing of the (school) bags" - in recognition of the new school year facing our young people. Kris interviewed each of them about their hopes and aspirations for the school year ahead. To quote Kris - "What wisdom they bring! what amazing truths"! We celebrate the maturity and potential of the children of our Unitarian Church. This was reinforced by Grant's memorable reading from the Diary of Ann Frank. As we are elevated by her wisdom, revelation, maturity and insight; we also weep at her loss, as one of millions of young victims of the holocaust.
Kris commenced his address today with a question: "Why are we here, this morning - rather than in a Christian Church?" Today, Kris explores the distinction between Unitarianism and Christianity and what we share in common with Christian Churches. Unitarianism is as old as Christianity. We SA Unitarians have come from a Christian background. Many of us once attended Christian churches. We have our seven Unitarian Principles but these have arisen from the stories and wisdoms in both the old and New Testament that brought them alive in our imagination, not the dogma - those unbelievable bits such as the Trinity, written into Credo to bolster the power of the institutional Church. Our Seven Principles also add modern insights.
But let's not forget these ancient stories - and the parables and wisdoms of Jeshua, to which we may add wisdoms, insights and practices of other religious traditions. They are our stories - our wisdoms, too!
Kris's address today is not to be missed! Listen on!
Kris commences his "Astray-ya day" address with some challenging questions to focus our minds:
"What is Australia?", "What is our place in Australia?" and "What are the spiritual implications of us being here in this time and place?" - "topics as vast as the continent itself", Kris observes.
To help us clarify these issues, Kris looks back to what he perceives to be four phases of Australian History - when cultural interaction and spiritual expression have simultaneously evolved to help us find answers to what is essentially our spiritual search for an Australian Identity. It's one that each us must undertake. Kris concludes: "The search for meaning is not only treasured as one of our Unitarian principles, it is the most noble of human pursuits - unleashing our imagination on the task of becoming peaceful, loving and wise human beings".
What a spiritual feast today! Listen on - to begin - or to continue your search.
Kris's address today - "Well Donne", explores the life of the English poet, John Donne, a contemporary of Shakespeare, through the medium of his poetry, arguably, the most memorable and enduring of which is "No man is an island entire of itself..".
Donne lived in dangerous times. Disadvantaged by the stigma of being born Catholic in Elizabethan London, Donne's life was flawed, conflicted, opportunistic - but lived - fully!
Through his reading of Donne's poetry, Kris spans the full spectrum of John Donne's life - conflicted, ranging from the dissolute young man of his early poems, his sycophantic but successful search for patronage and privilege, his conversion to Anglicanism, culminating in his appointment as Dean of St Paul's. Listen on!
Under the title - "Big picture - Little picture", Our President, Jenny begins with the superficial attraction of a "big picture" view: focusing on the overall vision at a macro-management level - as contrasting with what is often seen as nit-picking, "little picture" micromanagement, where vision and focus is blurred by the detail. Jenny gives some contemporary examples of the dangers of big picture thinking, especially when it is based on false assumptions such as denial of the science. This will lead to potentially catastrophic global consequences.
Smaller, progressive and achievable steps, based on sound assumptions will provide incremental gains that aggregate to a tipping point, and - when the time is ripe, bigger reforms will become politically possible. Listen on to some very useful anecdotes.
In today's service we are graced with the choral contribution of the Terrace Singers - accompanied and directed by Margaret Lambert and their singing of carols arranged by Sir Karl Kenkins.
Kris "cuts to the chase" in today's Christmas Eve service. He commences with reference to the first and original Gospel attributed to Mark's version of the birth, essential teachings, crucifixion and death of Jeshua. The original account was silent about his resurrection and the doctrine of the Trinity, added much later to the biblical (Gospel - "Good News") accounts of the life of Jeshua...Jesu...Jesus.
Kris asks: "What were the essential teachings of Jesus that we should remember on the day Christians have chosen celebrate the birth of Jeshua, which we can have hold of, which brings forth our best selves. ...Something in our hearts that sets us on the path to Wisdom and Love?
As the summer Solstice rapidly approaches, pushing Christmas ahead of it and bringing the prospect of warm summer days "perchance to dream", Kris - in these mid-summer musings, draws widely from literature, film, a poem of Joy Burki-Watson - read this morning by Helen; Karl Jung - "We dream of our questions, our difficulties", to find resolution; the Mythologist, Joseph Campbell contrasting Oriental acceptance of illusion and European preoccupation with the rational: the Persian poet, Hafiz's allusion to the Sun and its power - contrasted with the aloof and patriarchal Duke, Theseus - in Shakespeare's "A Mid-Summer Night's Dream. Kris suggests that we might be tempted, like Theseus - to emotionally detach ourselves from the "seasonal realm of pageantry and emotional hooks, with its thicket of labels and indoctrinating messages constantly bombarding us'.
The Spanish poet, Antonio Marchado points the way in his poem: "Last Night while I was Sleeping". Kris asks: "What if our hearts were like the sun?" Rather than the emotional detachment of Theseus, Kris advocates another way to navigate the seasonal maze we may find ourselves in at Christmas. Kris's musings were rich with allusion. And on what promised to be a warm summer's day, we did not nod off! Nor will you! Listen on!
Today, Kris offers some reflections on the Life and the Legacy of prominent Unitarian, Ralph Waldo Emerson (May 25, 1803 – April 27, 1882).
The themes foremost in "Waldo's" life were: Philosophy, Transcendent Reality, the Glory of Nature, Self-Reliance of the Individual, and the Abolition of Slavery.
Kris begins today's address with some questions:
"Do his ideas resonate with us (Unitarians) today?"
"What does the loss of 8-year-old Waldo's Unitarian Minister, Father due to disease do to his conception of God?"
Listen on to Kris's word-portrait of a great Unitarian Philosopher and thinker whose pioneering theology still resonates with Unitarians, today!
Kris, begins his address on Fathers Day by exploring the"Father-Archetype" - Carl Jung's hypothesis that we carry within our collective psyches, the gender stereotypes that define good fathering (- and good mothering). It's these shared archetypes, formed since pre-history, within predominantly patriarchal societies, that provide us with the "role models" that Kris explores with us on Father's Day! Kris offers some suggestions for good "fatherly" behaviour - for everyone - irrespective of gender. Not to be missed!
Kris begins this address with a question: "How much do you know about Islam?" He believes that it is important for us to have a working knowledge of Islam for two reasons:
- with increased understanding comes respect, and-
- It also frees us from any prejudices we might have.
Listen on to discover more about Islam: the five pillars of wisdom, the four duties of Muslims. And then - common to all religions, there are the divisions that have occurred within Islam. Perhaps we have more in common with with Islam and with Muslims than we might have thought? How might the obligations of Muslims in the Koran be relevant to Unitarians - who have such a divergence of belief in matters of prayer and meditation? As Unitarians we have the freedom to draw from wisdoms such as Islam? Within the turmoil of our lives, where we might we find a holy place - to seek peace... to meditate... to find spiritual renewal... to give...to guide?
Today, in "Romantic Knights", Kris visits romantic notions of Chivalry that grew out of medieval European mythology - based on Mort d'Arthur, and Eschenbach's Parzival (Percival in English) - one knight's quest for the Holy Grail. The mythology so often portrays the stereotypical, adventurous, warrior-male "knight in shining armor", riding valiantly to the rescue of a beautiful, but vulnerable female - beset by dark and evil forces. Or a female - as temptress, leading the errant but lusting knight - astray? In the context of the changing power relationship between male and female, Kris, at the outset, asks us to explore what happened to chivalry? Is it residual in the belief that soldiers should risk life and limb in military service. Are there better words/concepts to explain how the strength and courage - irrespective of gender, may still champion the vulnerable and the needy? Is the concept of chivalry - dead? Is this something to lament? Kris reminds us of our first two UU principles.
Today, Kris introduces us to Psychiatrist and Kinesiologist, Professor David Hawkins' "Map of Human Consciousness" which serves as a "Barometer of Human Consciousness". In his address today, Kris uses Hawkins' 'spectrum of spiritual growth' as a "barometer" to inform and to illuminate the pathways we may choose on our spiritual journeys towards a higher state of human consciousness.
Today, Kris introduces us to Psychiatrist and Kinesiologist, David Hawkins' "Map of Human Consciousness" which serves as a "Barometer of Human Consciousness". In his address today, Kris uses Hawkins' 'spectrum of spiritual growth' as a "barometer" to inform and to illuminate the pathways we may choose on our own spiritual journey towards a higher state of human consciousness.
In this very brief history of religion, Kris touches on "religious" behavior observed in other primates, the commonalities of the world's religions and the ways in which they have enabled us to transcend atavistic brutality and embrace attributes (such as foresight, hindsight, insight, planning, intelligence, wisdom - towards empathy and love for others...towards ethics ... towards civil societies - to become fully-human!) Despite a residue of (warrior) violence that plagues us still, what was this essential ingredient, common to all religions - that took us beyond atavistic brutality to the journey towards the understanding that we Unitarians share today? Listen on to find out!
In his address today, "Mary, Mary, quite contrary!" Kris focuses on the enigma of Mary Magdalene and as shown in the earlier part of the Gospel of Mark and in the "Gospel of Mary", part of the New Testament Apocrypha: - her closeness to Jeshua - "his companion"; - her status and her "fortitude" amongst the disciples; - her prominence at the crucifixion; - her participation in the procession from the cross to the tomb; - her intimate participation as a non-blood relative involved in the rite of purification - anointing the body of Jesus with spices, prior to his entombment. And yet the status of Mary Magdalene as a spiritual teacher is diminished in the biblical account of the Authorised, King James version that excludes apocryphal, extra-canonical writings such as the Gospels of Phillip and Thomas that gives her a pre-eminent role in the events surrounding the crucifixion and death of Jeshua. Why? asks Kris. What spiritual lessons may we Unitarians learn from these Apocryphal stories about the strength of Mary Magdelene and her diminishment in the Authorised versions? Listen on to find out!
As Unitarians, we are predisposed to having others' answers about "religious, spiritual, ethical, or moral issues" questioned. Today, in this - his second Q & A service, and in the absence of a prepared "sermon", Kris - steps courageously out of his comfort zone for a second time and invites us to write down a question on a "religious, spiritual, ethical or moral theme" - for him to answer. So while Kris may have provided answers to those questions we might otherwise never have had an opportunity to ask, his answers will certainly get us thinking and perhaps also - questioning. For isn't it in the questions we ask that our learning begins? Listen on!
Today we welcome Kris back from leave as our Minister. In his address today, titled - What's the harm in Sin? Kris explores the concept of "Sin", historically. He probes our understanding of the Seven Deadly Sins, the Cardinal sins, and such concepts as Passion, and Conscience - before mentioning the positives - the Seven Virtues.
The concept of "Sin" has changed. There are more useful concepts and principles to guide our behaviour. Kris concludes with a gentle Buddhist insight.
Aaron takes us out of our comfort zone to explore a richer experience of Light & Dark and other binaries such as "Good & Evil", "Happy & Sad", Nihilism & Existentialism. Aaron questions why we fear darkness, a fear - reinforced by religion, as synonymous with evil.
In today's address, Aaron takes us "beyond the binary" to explore the richness to be had in the realisation that the "Light" needs the "Dark" - and as with any of the other binaries, we only fully understand one through experiencing its opposite.
Eran begins his address today, with a quote from a Beatitude in the Gospel of St Matthew - "Blessed are the Peacemakers...". Eran talks passionately and evocatively about his birthplace, Israel - and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine which he has experienced firsthand. Eran also outlines the many ongoing peace initiatives that will eventually restore peace to these Holy Lands of Islam, Judaism, Christianity - and Unitarians, and to being truly "Holy" for all. It will happen providing we peacemakers - and our children don't give up - it might take generational change! Eran also challenges us to support these peace initiatives and shows us how. "Blessed are the Peacemakers - for they will be called Children of God!" Eran ends his address with a quote from Peacemaker, Amos Oz: "Conflict begins and ends in the hearts and minds of people - not in the hilltops."
Following on from Jennie's address on the 7th May, 2023 - in today's address - Part 2 of "Black and White", Jennie summarises the historical background to the approaching "Voice" referendum, including an extract from "The Uluru Statement from the Heart". Jenny informs us about the nature of the forthcoming referendum and recognises the plight of Aboriginal people when we - as a nation - have been deaf to the voices of Aboriginal leaders in the past. Jennie also pays tribute to the spiritual input of poets like Oodgeroo Noonuccal (Kath Walker) and Judith Wright. If you are still to decide on "The Voice", this address of Jennie's is not to be missed!
This address - on Sunday, 4th June, 2023, is about my journey following WW2 from my childhood as an "accidental Presbyterian", and my growth, spiritually - within loving church communities.
As the conservative biblical view of creation - in Genesis was challenged by science, my growing cognitive dissonance as an adult has led me to the discovery of Unitarianism and the partial resolution of that dissonance.
I'm still making that spiritual journey:-
- less dissonant;
- influenced by liberal theologians, and -
- a Christian legacy of Love,
- inspired by creative genius in Art, Music and Architecture;
- the stories that Christianity has inspired;
- surrounded still by tolerant, forgiving and loving Christian and Unitarian communities.
Today's service was led by Jennie Dyster with our Guest Speaker, Kathryn House - introduced by Noel Fraser. Kathryn's talk today was a treasure trove of ideas for effective fundraising for charities. That it can be done collectively by a team working together with a common purpose makes fundraising so much more rewarding. Listen on for Kathryn's anecdotes and wisdom on planning for successful fundraising - as well as some cautions.
Today we have an address from Liellie McLaughlin of the Interfaith Forum titled: "Exploring our sense of living in a pluralistic world". We are also privileged to have Allen Edwards, a local Kaurna man - to welcome us to Kaurna country.
Liellie's uplifting address today, embraces - and celebrates - our spiritual diversity. She poses several questions at the outset, that lie at the core of her address:-
- How can we explore our sense of living in a pluralistic world?
- What's preparing you for it?
and
- How do you feel about it?"
Liellie concludes with the words: "Ubuntu - We are because you are"..."May your own moments of transcendance, transformation, transportation bring you to those incredible moments when you feel that there are no strangers in the world and that we are all connected." Listen on!
In lighting our chalice this morning Aaron sets the theme of his address: - a flame that is "Speaking without Speaking" ".... speaking to us without a single word, showing us vibrancy, hope, warmth, and spirit; its centered-ness, centering us, its light given freely. May we share the best of ourselves as freely as this humble flame."
Today, Mothers' Day - Aaron focuses on the importance and power of communication that doesn't need to be spoken - that transcends speech! ...And it is not to be missed!
Jennie's address on Sunday was "Black and white" - about (racial) inequality and how it can so easily become culturally entrenched.
Jenny refers to Thomas Piketty's "The Brief History of Equality" - that there are reasons for us to be optimistic that we are moving towards global Equality and Justice. But oh, how slowly!
As an example of how racism can become so easily entrenched, Jennie discusses the racial assumptions underlying "Golliwoggs" - at a time when Afro-Americans were caricatured by the toy - but "had neither the motivation and the confidence to object to the design". There were even "white guys (minstrels) impersonating black guys" to make money. To further entrench the racism, the minstrel became a toy - a Golliwogg - and even a trademark!
Listen on for Jennie's exploration of this"trough" in our journey toward racial equality and justice. Picketty - an optimist? Listen on!
In her Address last Sunday, 30th April, Jennie questioned the value and relevance of the 7 UU Principles. Passion is needed to enliven their blandness: "high-minded but remote"... "not necessarily spiritual"... "Jolly fine secular values that any liberal thinker would generally agree with".
These 7 UU Principles also fail to give guidance. Splendid goals - but not the path nor the tools for Spiritual Growth. They need an injection of Love, Curiosity, Respect, Justice, Transformation, Generosity, Equity...
While Universalism is unobjectionable, it's just not historically or theologically relevant to our Church here.
"We need our own," Jennie concludes. You may - or may not agree.
Listen on for those observations that have led her to that conclusion!
In today's address, I introduce the topic of Regret - ranging from the many "gentle" regrets - fleeting, "bitter-sweet" regrets in the songs we sing today - such as the momentary sense of loss at a passing joy, or triumph. And with reference to William Shakespeare's Sonnet 120, I also mention those lingering, festering regrets - interpersonal failures that will endure until we resolve them.
As Anzac Day approaches, I also mention my enduring regret at the failure of nations to address the issues that give rise to global conflict and modern warfare, and the prospect of global conflict and MAD (Mutually assured Destruction) as an insult to a fragile planet and where there can by no winners! I ask: "Perhaps it's why we've never been visited by aliens?"
I conclude with two contrasting poems. One, of regret at a boy - almost a man, enthralled with the prospect of using weapons to kill; another, a poem of hope in a young child who senses that "the rose needs the thorn", who will "run into rain-swept days" the same way "they turn towards the sun", who will draw on that "wilder bond" with Nature to "speak for those who have no voice". Listen on!
In today's address, I introduce the topic of Regret - ranging from the many "gentle" regrets - fleeting, "bitter-sweet" regrets in the songs we sing today - such as the momentary sense of loss at a passing joy, or triumph. And with reference to William Shakespeare's Sonnet 120, I also mention those lingering, festering regrets - interpersonal failures that will endure until we resolve them.
As Anzac Day approaches, I also mention my enduring regret at the failure of nations to address the issues that give rise to warfare, and the prospect of global conflict and MAD (Mutually assured Destruction) as an insult to a fragile planet - where there will be no winners! I ask "Perhaps this is why we've never been visited by aliens?"
I conclude with two contrasting poems. One, of regret at a boy - almost a man, enthralled with the prospect of using weapons to kill; another, a poem of hope in a young child who senses that "the rose needs the thorn", who will "run into rain-swept days" the same way "they turn towards the sun", who will draw on that "wilder bond" with Nature to "speak for those who have no voice". Listen on!
Kris commences his address today with the results of his search of the internet for some "simple truths" of others. By way of contrast with these "secular" insights, Kris narrows his search to two wisdoms to be found in Mark, the earliest of the Gospel writers (Chapter 12 vs 28-31): "Love your God...", and "You shall love your neighbour as yourself". In the context of these two "simple" truths - the "greatest of the Commandments", Kris asks some questions:-
-Can our addiction to material possessions and the indulgence of the ego - at the expense of our spiritual lives, ever brings us peace?
- What is to be done - for the person who has been disappointed by both Religion and Science? (when we all yearn for peace - and the reassurance that we are loved).
Kris suggests we can try this...... Listen on to find out!
This Easter Sunday, our Minister, Kris Hanna reflects on the theme of Renewal. Like the renewal and rebirth of the phoenix in our "Story for All Ages" - rising out of the ashes of self-sacrifice, Kris reflects on the renewal and hope that arose from the legacies and martyrdom of the Lutheran Pastor and Theologian, Deitrich Bonhoeffer, the Spanish Unitarian, Michael Servetus and that most well-known of all Martyrs, Jesus (Jeshua) of Nazareth, who remained resolute in their belief - in the face of torture and death from those in authority.
It's not just a past phenomenon. Contemporary examples of ongoing persecution can be drawn from Muslims in India, the Baháʼí in Iran, and Christian Minority groups - out of which - like the phoenix in our story, will give rise to a legacy of renewal and hope. Easter, Kris reminds us - is also the time to renew our commitment to Love!
Kris, on this Good Friday uses Easter as an opportunity for us Unitarians to celebrate - through a communal sharing of wine and bread - the courage of those like Michael Servetus, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Jeshua who, without compromise, sacrificed their lives for their beliefs.
Before he begins his address today, Kris invites us to write down what might be our parting words to a loved one.
Kris's address today is on Death. He begins with Hamlet's famous soliloquy. He also gives Humanist, Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, Jew, Muslim and Philosophical responses ...and more!
Kris asks: "In your remaining time in this life, can you deepen the loving relationships and friendships you have?" Can you mend your broken relationships? Have you thought about the gifts you might leave...your children, grandchildren... perhaps a recorded message, keep-sakes?
"Whether in faith or in doubt, we are here, together - to share with each other the turning points and defining moments of our lives." Kris suggests how, and he also reads out - at random, some of those special, last words we might write to those we love.
Our (annual) Unitarian "Water Service" is symbolic of "Unity in Diversity" - free of dogma, where we are free to choose and to discover our wisdoms, tell our own stories. Kris Hanna, our Minister, begins today's service with our (annual) "blessings of the water", so essential for all life and one of the four elements of the Ancient Greeks: Earth, Water, Air and Fire.
The children were the first to bring their water to the bowl at the front of the Church and then to water our garden on the way to "Kids Club". The water brought by the rest of us was also added, later.
Kris commences his address by briefly mentioning the biblical references to the cleansing power of water, late 19th Century Theosophicists' understandings about water, water for cleansing and purifying, water within Jungian symbolism, and water seen as well-springs - "a divine essence bursting forth into human consciousness" as the world's great religions came into being at a particular time and place. Kris's address ends today with a meditation and a prayer. Listen on ...not to be missed!
Kris's "Story for All Ages" today is a story about a wise queen preparing for life beyond her reign. It begs the question - "How are we preparing for our futures? - and - if it is our belief - how we might be preparing for our after-life?"
Kris quotes from the Sufi poet, Rumi: "Enough of phrases, conceits and metaphors. I want burning! Burning. To become familiar with burning. Light up a fire of Love in your soul. Burn all thought and expressions away."
And as Ramadan approaches, Kris introduced a special guest to us this morning, Silma Ihram - a leader from Adelaide's Islamic Community: Mother and Grandmother extraordinaire, pioneer Islamic Teacher, Educator, Principal, Educational Consultant, vice-President of the Australian Council for Islamic Education in Schools in 2004, vice-President of the Muslim Women's National Network Australia, Secretary General of the Australian Council for Islamic Education in Schools and most recently President of the Australian Muslim Women's Association. Silma's initial focus was on the Muslim understanding of Jesus - but as her talk progressed, Silma also gave us more general insights into Islam and Islamic beliefs about Mary (Maryam) and other figures from the Abrahamic Faiths. Her talk was followed by questions from Kris and other members of our Church, curious to learn more about Islam. Listen on!
Kris focuses today on the essential teachings of The Buddha - "The Enlightened One", who - as a young prince born into privilege, set forth courageously into the world to confront and comprehend the suffering he observed. The Buddha came to realise four fundamental truths. What were these essential teaching of the Buddha - "The Enlightened One"?
Kris's insights into The Buddha's "Four Noble Truths", the "Five Aggregates" - or "Experiences", re-incarnation into a "Chain of Lives", the "Eight-fold Path to Enlightenment" ("triple training"), "Nirvana" and "Dharma" reveal what these wisdoms reveal for our own spiritual journey - especially when we endure the hard times of … craving, ….of loss, ….of suffering and how it is possible to be free - of craving - of loss and of suffering. Kris also compares Buddhist beliefs with those of Karl Jung and ends with the following wisdom - gleaned from a Buddhist journey of discovery: "When in doubt, breathe deeply and maintain good intentions".
Our Minister, Kris Hanna delivers this morning's address, titled "The Matrix" from our Unitarian bushland Chapel. Kris begins with a quote: "We are not here to comfort the afflicted but to afflict the comfortable". Kris reflects on the 1999 Film "The Matrix" in which Artificial Intelligence (AI) controls humanity by creating a comfortable but "fictitious" human "existence" at the expense of Reality. Kris quotes Morpheus, the "God of Dreams" in Greek mythology: "There is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path". The challenge is this: in seeking a richer and fuller life, we need to be like "The Hero" in the Matrix. We need to know the path - and walk it! It was the choice of Buddha and of Jesus! Let it be our choice. It will help us to will live kinder and more compassionate lives!There is so much more in Kris's address today - so listen on!
Our Minister, Kris Hanna delivers this morning's address, titled "The Matrix" from our Unitarian bushland Chapel. Kris begins with a quote: "We are not here to comfort the afflicted but to afflict the comfortable". Kris reflects on the 1999 Film "The Matrix" in which Artificial Intelligence (AI) controls humanity by creating a comfortable but "fictitious" human "existence" at the expense of Reality. Kris quotes Morpheus, the "God of Dreams" in Greek mythology: "There is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path". The challenge is this: in seeking a richer and fuller life, we need to be like "The Hero" in the Matrix. We need to know the path - and walk it! It was the choice of Buddha and of Jesus! Let it be our choice. It will also help us to will live kinder and more compassionate lives! There is so much more in Kris's address today - so listen on!
Whilst believing in God and Jesus, The English artist and poet, William Blake, despised what the established (Anglican) Church of his day had become. This dichotomy can be found in the quotation from Blake with which Pauline concluded today's reading - "All deities reside in the human breast". This would resonate with many Unitarians.The Church, in Blake's lifetime (1757 – 1827) had reinforced its institutional power over people's lives with moralising, chastising, and confining dogma about "Heaven and Hell", against a social backdrop of the emerging evils of the Industrial Revolution. This contrasted with William Blake's creative legacy, reflecting his child-like exuberance and delight in life.It's this dichotomy that Kris explored with us today. Kris's reflections included heart-felt readings from some of Blake's best-loved poetry, supported by the poet's own visual illustrations. William Blake found the answers to life - not in the confines of religious dogma but in human passions, joys, and the soaring of the creative imagination, expressed in Art and Poetry. Not to be missed!
Today, Kris reflects on the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls by a Bedouin shepherd boy searching for a lost sheep in 1947. They were found stored in sealed earthenware jars in caves near Wadi Qumran, the historic site of a strict Jewish fundamentalist community - "Men of the Light", sectarian, male-dominated. Written between 200 and 80 BCE, multiple copies of these restored scrolls of the Jewish Tanakh, allowed comparisons with the scriptures of the Old Testaments and the Tanakh, today. The corroborative relevance of these scrolls to our Judeo-Christian heritage makes them, arguably - the most significant archaeological discovery of the 20th Century. Over a third of the scrolls were not scriptural in nature. They included Essene community rules, astrological calendars, hymns, psalms, apocalyptic and apocryphal (non-canonical) biblical works, and a giant "jigsaw puzzle" of scroll fragments to be pieced together. Some scrolls were written in code. While no New Testament gospels were found in the caves, Kris points to contextual links with the New Testament such as an early "forerunner" to The Beatitudes that Richard read to us today, from the Dead Sea Scrolls. These may have influenced Jesus' Beatitudes, in the "Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 5:3-12) or the "Sermon on the Plain" (Luke 6:20-38) - so beloved by Christians and many Unitarians today. Kris also refers to other New Testament comparisons with the Dead Sea Scrolls. One scroll - made of copper, purports to describe the location of a vast cache of buried bullion - gold and silver, as yet undiscovered! Or was it a spiritual treasure to be found by those who searched? Listen on for more of Kris's reflections on the significance and relevance of these "Dead Sea Scrolls". They have inspired more than a film of two!
Our "Story for All Ages" today is a modern Unitarian parable to illustrate the all-to-human phenomenon of the proliferation of ideologies - in this instance the "Christianities" and Christian leaders' attempts to re-define God - the "God" of this parable being Female.Kris, in his overview of the first few centuries of Christian belief, begins his exploration of the "Christianities" with Jesus, in Judea - then Paul (Saul) and the myriad of variants that have proliferated down through the ages - each, like Gnosticism - with its own understanding of "God".I was left wondering that somewhere further along from Kris's exploration of these first three centuries of "Christianities" today, we will find us Unitarians, Unitarian-Universalists and Universalists and the spiritual pathways and understandings of the nature of God that we share with those around us - that give our lives new and fuller meaning.And while it's a journey we share in the company of other Unitarians, perhaps there are as many "pathways to the divine" as there are those people who seek to tread them? Do listen on!
Kris's address, today - Sunday, 5th February 2023 is on "The Voice", one of two outcomes from the 2017 "Uluru Statement from the Heart". "The Voice" proposes a democratically elected group of Aboriginal Leaders who would be consulted and heard in matters that affect Aboriginal people at all three levels of Government.
The second outcome was a "Truth Telling Commission" where Aboriginal people seek reconciliation with all other Australians via a "Makarrata" an "act of peacemaking and reconciliation - after struggle", which will unite all Australians in mutual respect and lead to recognition of "Aboriginal Sovereignty" - a concept that Kris recognises will be challenging to many Australians. Today, Kris briefly summarises the historical events leading to "The Voice": - European conquest, legal recognition by the High Court of co-existing aboriginal sovereignty in the Eddie Mabo decision, Paul Keating's Redfern Statement and the Uluru "Statement from the Heart" - all leading us to the approaching referendum to amend the Australian Constitution. Kris is not telling us how to vote but this address will provide us with a useful framework for decision-making. Listen on!
On lighting our chalice this morning, Kris reflects on the flame that represents the vitality of life - the energy that motivates all of us - especially the vitality of all the young people of our Unitarian Community. Today's "Blessing of the Schoolbags" is traditionally observed just before the new school year (2023) and is dedicated to the children. Kris interviews them about their hopes for the 2023 school year and Miranda reads a Unitarian Universalist "Credo" that reinforces today's theme of youth, vitality, hope and renewal - for us spiritually. It's a Credo that reaches beyond the "benediction" of our 7 Principles to opportunities for our spiritual growth.Kris reflects that in meeting the challenges of 2023 - we are no different from the children. "Crisis can be opportunity!" During the hard times - whenever we endure disappointment, loss and grief, there will be lessons leading us towards peace, forgiveness, self-fulfillment, spiritual growth and enlightenment. Kris expands on some of these lessons and asks the question: "Will we be "moving up a grade" in 2023 - and beyond - spiritually?!"
In lighting our chalice this morning, Kris observes that our chalice is a symbol of freedom and liberty, not just our own - but a symbol of our commitment - as Unitarians, to freedom and liberty around the world - where others may not be so fortunate. Kris's address today is a sequel to Eran's Address - two weeks earlier, about the largely unpublicised peace movement in Israel-Palestine, and especially the dialogue between younger generations of Israelis and Palestinians and their hopes for freedom and justice for all who occupy this (Abrahamic) holy land.Kris's focus this week is on the plight of Palestinians, as observed by him on a tour in 2006. It includes his 'story for all ages' which is especially heartfelt. Whereas Israeli and Palestinian leaders see rapprochement as an impossibility, younger generations of Israelis and Palestinians hold onto hope. Perhaps it will be generational change that will lead to rapprochement and this "holy land" will one day be truly free, just and equitable for all who live there.
The Rev. Geoffrey Usher, revisiting us from Sydney as a former Minister of this Church, soon challenges us on "Martin Luther King Jr. Day" with a question:-"When faced with threat, danger, injustice, oppression - and despite all our fears, will we have the morality and courage to speak truly, act justly, choose wisely and love generously?"Today's music is provided by organist, Andrew Usher - who plays our historic but aging pipe organ, one of Adelaide's oldest, reassembled here from our Wakefield Street church soon after it was demolished in 1970.
Born in an Israeli kibbutz, Eran - a member of our church shares his turbulent family history. It’s a history wracked by the clamour of war and religious conflict - and it's heartfelt. But Eran also points to the peace-makers - both Arabs and Jews, who are working purposefully to bring peace once again to Israel-Palestine."How might we Unitarians support these peacemakers?" Eran asks.
Today, being New Year's Day, and inspired by the Unitarian Hysterical Society, Jennie's "down-to-earth" approach to the challenges of the New Year avoids inducing in us a state verging on terminal depression - where we feel overwhelmed and where human inertia on challenging issues ensures the status quo.Jennie's New Year's Day address is punctuated with funny anecdotes that will help us to put our New Year resolutions into perspective - thereby making them more manageable and achievable. This is Jennie at her best! Not to be missed!
In our service this Christmas morning, our Minister, Kris reflects on the relevance of the biblical accounts in Luke and Matthew of the birth of the baby boy, Jeshua, even to those who might question its authenticity. Whether fact, metaphor, - or myth, the Christmas Story, despite the clamour of Santa Claus - continues to shape civil society. It's a gift freely given to us all. Listen on to how we might draw from it - meaning, insight, wisdom, inspiration and direction for how we might better live our lives.
Today, Kris draws on Charles Dickens's character, Mr. Scrooge - a name synonymous with miserliness - to provide the inspiration for this Christmas Story. And there is a sense that Scrooge's story may - in some way - be our story.Kris asks: "Haven't we all been there?" How did we come to be the way we are? How did others come to be the way they are - their pains, their joys?? What stories might they tell? How might we all find pathways leading toward better versions of ourselves?Kris leads us towards asking - of ourselves, those questions that may help us to navigate towards better versions of "Us". And - like Scrooge - (this) Christmas might just be the epiphany we need!
Kris Hanna, our Minister, gave this address at the Unitarian Church on Sunday, 11th December.Kris quotes from St Matthew's Gospel Ch 18 v. 3: "Truly I tell you - unless you change and become like little children, you'll never enter the kingdom of Heaven".Kris asks: "Why was Jeshua's teaching recorded at all?" Amongst all his other teachings, why is this so striking, so unusual? What could he have meant? And how was it as relevant then for his disciples …for his followers - as it is still so relevant today …to Unitarians? ... indeed - to us all! Listen on to find out about this wisdom's universal significance for everyone, everywhere, for all time!
Today, Kris asks some questions about accepting responsibility for our wrongful actions: -Who is responsible for our spiritual growth? - for our salvation? - for reconciliation with those we've wronged ? - for reconciliation within ourselves? Kris provides a "Christian" answer and a secular - Unitarian - answer for our personal journey towards spiritual growth as Unitarians.And to discover your answer - you'll need to listen to this!
Kris commences with the song that inspired this address - "We are One, but We are Many". Anecdotally, Kris also mentions a recent 'on-line' but anonymous critic of Unitarians as "un-Christian". "How do we respond to such a criticism?" Kris asks. Kris suggests a simple and effective response to those who resort to labeling others whenever beliefs conflict with their own and reveals the psychology at work within those who label others as in someway inferior or less "Christian". Kris concludes: "We are Many but We are One!" Listen on to Kris's celebration of the strength that comes with "Unity in Diversity", here - within our Church and in the wider Australian community.
In today's service, "The Sound of Silence", Kris draws on Christian and Buddhist teachings on Silence to draw us away from the dualism of the world and open us to the spiritual wellsprings within and around us - of wisdom, insight, intuition and conscience. As speech and musical notation only make sense when punctuated by the silences and pauses that give it meaning, the daily practice of contemplative or meditative silence will give euphony and meaning to otherwise cacophonous lives! Kris concludes - "We need moments of pause and reflection to make sense of the rest".
Kris's address today is on R-E-S-P-E-C-T - one of those concepts we all understand but can't quite so easily define. Jennie plays a memorable lioness's part in her 'Story for All Ages' on Respect and Kris turns to our UU Principles and Philosophers before providing some anecdotes about the value of respect in all our relationships - whether fleeting or life-long.
The focus of our Minister, Kris Hanna's address last Sunday, to a full church at Shady Grove was to briefly span the history of theistic belief from early pantheism to monotheism and beyond. It included Unitarianism and Trinitarian mainstream (Christian) dogma. Kris observed at the outset, a trend in contemporary society and amongst Unitarians - towards greater abstraction in defining notions of God and Divinity, evolving from Jewish monotheism into the Orthodoxy of a Trinitarian, tripartite God - the Father, Jeshua - his Son and Holy Spirit. There were "unitarian" dissenters. Alexandrian (monotheistic) scholars argued against the Trinitarianism of Athanasius. They included the Egyptian scholars, Origen and Arius. There were achievements: the Unitarian, Francis Dávid (1510–1579 influenced King Sigismund to issue the Edict of Torda in Transylvania, Socinus (1539–1604), and the Socinian movement in Italy, the Racovian Catechism of Poland, and there were those who died for their Unitarian beliefs - Michael Servetus (Spain), burned at the stake with his book on the Errors of the Trinity in Switzerland, the Englishman, John Biddell (1615-1662) who died in prison for his Unitarian beliefs after being imprisoned from 1647-1662, the Quaker, James Naylor, tortured and imprisoned for blasphemy, the scientist and former priest, Joseph Priestley - forced to flee to America - and other Unitarians, persecuted, tortured and martyred for their beliefs. Many "post-Christian" Unitarians now seek to define "Unitarian" not historically and narrowly, as anti-Trinitarian - but the discovery of a unity and "oneness" that transcends old, worn-out dogma that divides, that gathers up new and old wisdom that has stood the test of time to unite us in our shared humanity, a Universalism where salvation is to be found here and now in the quality of our daily living and loving. But that's the sequel - to be told by others at another time. Listen now to Kris's account of how we Unitarians came to be here and, by inference - where we might be heading.
In his second address as our Minister, Kris Hanna amplifies what he referred to - in his first address as our "communication challenge". "We all want to achieve a state of grace and peace. But how do Unitarians - who, typically do not endorse or embrace traditional Christian understandings of "God" and "faith" - find grace and peace - and give our lives purpose and meaning? And it's not about being happy! To help resolve this challenge, Kris uses concepts such as self-realisation, wholeness, and individuation, developed by the psychiatrist, Karl Jung - over a century ago, within a rational framework that helps us all to grow spiritually, as Unitarians and give our lives meaning and purpose. "The meaning of life is finding one's gifts; the purpose of life is to give them away." Listen on to an address that is not to be missed!
Kris Hanna, in his very first address as our Minister, outlines the path he has trodden in his "free and responsible search for truth and meaning". It's a path that has led him to our Unitarian Church, today - and to our bushland church at Shady Grove. Kris's narrative commences from his childhood - to adolescence, schooling, and University and to his work in legal practice, within government, and in ministry. Kris has explored many philosophies, religions and (Christian) faith traditions. His pathway has also led him overseas - to witness social injustices and inequities within South African Apartheid and here, in Australia. It's a journey that - in Kris's telling of it - helps us to get to know him from the outset of his ministry amongst us. It also beckons us to explore new and fresh vistas with Kris as we walk our spiritual journey together. Listen on!
In our service today, I reflect on the Legacy of Bishop John Shelby Spong, who died on the 12th September 2021 - a little over 12 months ago. It's a repeat of a service I first gave at our Shady Grove Church shortly after learning that Bishop Spong had died. His 12 theses for the reform of the Episcopal Church in the USA resonate with many Unitarians - and a growing cohort of Christians who believe that there is a need for a rational, intellectually credible definition of the nature and presence of God in our lives that reflects our Science and questions outworn dogma. What remains steadfast is agape Love: - that God is Love and Love is God; - that God is to be found in the Love we must give "wastefully" and - hopefully, receive.
For this is where we see the living presence of God at work in the world - even in the hard times!
In her last service as our Lay Leader, Jennie - to use her own words - is "mining" our Breviary for "pearls of wisdom". Everything in this last Service - from our opening words, all seven readings selected by Jennie from the many available - to our closing words have all been gifted to us from our Church Breviary. Listen on for these seven "pearls".
Jennie's focus today is on "Peace" and our Sixth UUA Principle: "The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all".
In the context of the war currently raging in Ukraine and its recent escalation, Jennie asks at the outset of her address today - "Is there such a thing as a Just War"? Jennie refers to the "Just War" criteria of 13th Century Roman Catholic Dominican priest, philosopher, theologian and jurist, St. Thomas Aquinas and to an article in Scientific American - Sept 1, 2018 by R. Brian Ferguson: " War Is Not Part of Human Nature", - the "hawks" arguing that we've become so addicted to war - so "numbed" to the destruction it brings - that war is hard-wired into us. The "doves" challenge this view. Jennie offers pathways of hope - leading to peace, despite the challenges of climate change and global inequity. We begin that journey by looking into our own hearts! But there's a challenge: - it's also a path of Action. Listen on!
Jennie's focus today is on "Peace" and our Sixth UUA Principle: "The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all".
In the context of the war currently raging in Ukraine and its recent escalation, Jennie asks at the outset of her address today - "Is there such a thing as a Just War"? Jennie refers to the "Just War" criteria of 13th Century Roman Catholic Dominican priest, philosopher, theologian and jurist, St. Thomas Aquinas and to an article in Scientific American - Sept 1, 2018 by R. Brian Ferguson: " War Is Not Part of Human Nature", - the "hawks" arguing that we've become so addicted to war - so "numbed" to the destruction it brings - that war is hard-wired into us. The "doves" challenge this view. Jennie offers pathways of hope - leading to peace, despite the challenges of climate change and global inequity. We begin that journey by looking into our own hearts! But there's a challenge: - it's also a path of Action. Listen on!
Today, Jennie challenges the narrowness of scientific reductionists who rely solely on science to explain the injustices and incongruities of life. While it should not be ignored, Science will never explain it all and there is meaning and truth in mythology that Science is yet to - and may never fully - explain. And Science sometimes gets it wrong! Jennie argues that there is a broader, spiritual perspective - supported by spiritual practice - reaching beyond Science that we Unitarians Universalists ignore at the cost of our own spiritual impoverishment! "Transcendence is not a flight from our critical thinking but an inescapable part of our humanity", concludes Jennie and she suggests possibilities for putting spirituality back into our lives. This is an address not to be missed!
Today, Jennie challenges the narrowness of scientific reductionists who rely solely on science to explain the injustices and incongruities of life. While it should not be ignored, Science will never explain it all and there is meaning and truth in mythology that Science is yet to - and may never fully - explain. And Science sometimes gets it wrong! Jennie argues that there is a broader, spiritual perspective - supported by spiritual practice - reaching beyond Science that we Unitarians Universalists ignore at the cost of our own spiritual impoverishment! "Transcendence is not a flight from our critical thinking but an inescapable part of our humanity", concludes Jennie and she suggests possibilities for putting spirituality back into our lives. This is an address not to be missed!
Today's address by Jennie, our Lay Leader - "What could possibly go right?" is set against a backdrop of uncertainty: - melancholy, following hard upon the death of Queen Elizabeth 11, and the possibilities for hope and renewal that a new era might bring - marked by the crowning of King Charles 111. It's about how attitudes will shape us emotionally and spiritually in these uncertain times. This will influence the paths we choose to tread. Will our choices be grounded in pessimism: "What could possibly go wrong?" or optimism: "What could possibly go right?" Which choice we make will shape our actions - as individuals and as a church; as communities and as a nation. Listen on!
Today's address by Jennie, our Lay Leader - "What could possibly go right?" is set against a backdrop of uncertainty: - melancholy, following hard upon the death of Queen Elizabeth 11, and the possibilities for hope and renewal that a new era might bring - marked by the crowning of King Charles 111. It's about how attitudes will shape us emotionally and spiritually in these uncertain times. This will influence the paths we choose to tread. Will our choices be grounded in pessimism: "What could possibly go wrong?" or optimism: "What could possibly go right?" Which choice we make will shape our actions - as individuals and as a church; as communities and as a nation. Listen on!
Miranda's address "Turn and face the strange" begins with her reading from "My Commitments to Myself" by UUA minister, Rev. Laura Mancuso - "Taking care of oneself in order to maintain the capacity to help others." This reading can be found at the following link: https://www.uua.org/worship/words/meditation/my-commitments-myself. Miranda asks a question: "Were you and I to have the courage to live our lives beyond our comfort zones, what would this other you/me - look like...sound like...feel like"? "What might we still become were we to begin to live our lives - more courageously, beyond our comfort zones? With the advent of new leadership and new possibilities for living outside the leafy green comfort zone of our Church Community, Miranda's question becomes a challenge: "It's only as we stretch ourselves or 'turn and face the strange' that we can transform into better versions of ourselves" - as individuals - as a Church community. And "How might we achieve this?" Miranda suggests three steps…. Listen on for much, much more!
Rather than the classic, theological, CS Lewis-type analysis of The Four Loves - or is it six? - that focus on Christian (Agape) Love, Jennie Dyster, our Lay Leader, starts her address on Love by paraphrasing in her own words the classic, 1740 French cautionary tale of "Beauty and the Beast", where there are winners and losers and where values determine outcomes.
We are conditioned to high and hopeful expectations in Love - that there is a perfect someone - somewhere, just for us! - who will satisfy our every need ...our every yearning! Jennie talks about a messier, more realistic, less predictable, and more interesting Love - with ups and downs, twists and turns, burn-outs, and skids, laughs and tears ... a love that may - or may not - last! Such is the stuff of Life …and of Love? Jennie closes her address, today with the well-known words of St Paul.
Listen On!
Jennie - our lay leader addresses the identity and function of Unitarianism in the context of declining church attendance and what the future might hold for us and for Unitarianism. Jennie asks an inevitable question - within which there is an implied challenge to any church foolish enough to define itself solely by a socio-political agenda: - When our raison d'être as a church has been achieved, - when there is wide social consensus, how might we Unitarians find a new raison d'être? - one that provides more than a spiritual stepping stone for seekers until they find something better. While greater demands bring greater commitment, we need to do fewer things - better. Listen on to how might use our curiosity, awe and wonder to focus more on healing and building relationships…. deepening connections, exploring identity - thereby redefining spirituality and building our understanding of the Individual and Collective Soul in ways that might challenge and re-energise us all into the future?
Today, Nicholas awakens us to the magic of shadows - "where darkness and light intermingle, giving depth, subtlety, understanding", - deeper insights into ourselves, - others and the world around us. We've become addicted to light. Light is so often used metaphorically - to "cast", "shed", or "throw light on" - the dark, the "shadowy", - a light of scrutiny, of understanding, and insight. This predisposes us to see shadows as dark, negative, evil. But light is only made possible by the magic of shadows: the light and shade that shapes (Japanese) gardens, - that shapes our Art, our Music and our lives. Listen on for more of Nicholas's insights in his beautiful encomium "In Praise of Shadows". -It's not to be missed!
Today, Jennie asks the question - Why Pantheism? She explains what Pantheism is and what Pantheists believe. In doing so, Jennie identifies the common threads of our Seven Unitarian Universalist Principles and Pantheism that bind them so seamlessly together.
The title of our member, Aaron Poeze's address today is "Masking". With only a passing reference to "masking up" for more contagious Covid B variants, Aaron quickly tackles the real theme of today's address: the "masking" we do to gain social acceptance from our groups, where we feel compelled to "mask" our true selves - to belong. The problem with "masking" is that we become a caricature of ourselves, dissociated from our groups - and ourselves - to quote Donald Winnicott "not entirely present", our true potential - "locked up". Aaron reminds us of our first three Universalist Principles to suggest what changes are needed to enable us to be true to ourselves and unlock our full potential.
In her address today, Jennie Dyster, our Lay Leader confesses to a degree of duplicity in its title - "R and R" - not "Rest and Recreation" but "Rights and Responsibilities". Today Jennie focuses on Human Rights in Australia and considers whether Australians need a Bill of Rights. Or does the English Common Law system we've inherited - the law made by our Judges and Australian parliaments provide sufficient protection against violations of our Human Rights?
Nicholas commences this service today by giving thanks for the blessings of winter. In an address he titled, "Wintering", Nicholas uses Michael Leunig's Vasco Pyjama to raise some "existential" questions for Mr Curly - and for us on this cold, wet Sunday morning: - - What is worth doing? - What is worth having? It is an age-old, linked question and Nicholas points us towards an answer by quoting Heraclitus: - "Applicants for wisdom - do what I have done. Enquire within!" ...and Jesus: - "The Kingdom is within You". Nicholas's winter challenge for us all is that these are the questions...issues... we must resolve for ourselves. And whenever winter depression or despair is driven by the catalyst of our circumstances, Nicholas suggests some strategies we might use. And we end where we started today's exploration of "wintering" - with thanksgiving!
Jennie's address today, "Islam Dreaming" coincides with NAIDOC Week, 2022. She describes the historic connections between Islam and the northern, coastal Aboriginal nations that extend back to the arrival in the 1600's of Islamic Macassan Trepang (Beche-de-mare) fishermen from South Sulawesi, Indonesia, to our northern shores - almost two centuries before European settlement and the influence of Christian missionaries. Jennie uses this historical context to explain the recent upsurge in conversions of aboriginal people to Islam. Listen on for Jennie's informative address on a largely ignored aspect of our history.
Our Unitarian Community were indeed blessed this morning to have Kris Hanna as our guest worship leader. At the outset of today's service, Kris bravely invited us to write down any questions we might be harbouring about religious belief/faith, spirituality or issues of wider spiritual concern and he would do his best to respond. These were the four questions that time allowed us: 1. Can the Unitarian Principles and Sources be a blueprint for organising society? 2. How can we see and feel the presence of the Divine? 3. What are the limits to tolerance? 4. Is coincidence the manifestation of destiny? Listen on for Kris's responses to each of these four questions - each entirely without notice.
Jennie, our Lay Leader maintains that cravings/habituations are behind every habit - good or bad and motivate our actions. However what we're craving isn't the habit itself, but the relief or reinforcement we get from these habits. Listen on to Jennie's Unitarian and reasoned perspective on those good - and bad - habits to be found within us all.
Before we open the Pandora's box of current global issues - climate change, covid, the war in Ukraine, school shootings in the USA, Jennie asks us to consider its effect on our young children as well as ourselves. - Are these events keeping us - and our children - in a state of high anxiety? - How should we manage it to prevent loss of hope and the onset of despair and depression - both within ourselves and within our children? In today's address, Jennie provides us with some useful suggestions on how we might form a healthier perspective and get the balance right for the children.
In her address today, Jennie Dyster, our Lay Leader questions the misconception that Unitarian Universalists are non-creedal and are free to believe whatever they like. In providing an answer to the question - "What do Unitarians believe in?" Jennie draws on our seven Unitarian Universalist Principles to ask rhetorically, why some would not want to be Unitarians and why we - as Unitarians might not want them to join us! Listen on for Jennie's inspiring address.
While Jennie Dyster leads our service of worship this morning, today's address is by our President, John Hall. It is about Change and how we react to it. John draws on personal (travel) anecdotes to point to truths in the old Chinese proverb that every crisis also brings opportunity: that the challenges brought by Change and Transition will also bring opportunities for spiritual transformation - from within ourselves and within our Church community.
In today's service - Sunday 29th May, we briefly discussed the many fears identified by psychologists as phobias. Jennie probes one "phobia" that isn't really a phobia at all - homophobia. Jennie's address is a memorable and penetrating look at a topic that is both a taboo and potentially divisive within many communities - and especially Church communities who should be - in the words of one of the hymns we sang today - "standing on the side of Love".
The Rev. David Clements's address to our church community, was delivered via Zoom from West Lake, Ohio where the time was 9.01 pm - 10.30 am our time! In Dave's first address, he challenges us to become "spiritual entrepreneurs". Dave commences with Richard Branson's definition of an entrepreneur: - "Being someone who wants to make a difference to other people's lives". What Dave loves about this definition is that you don't have to own or run a business to be an entrepreneur. Mother Teresa, by Branson's definition was also an entrepreneur. Listen on for Dave's challenge to us all - to be "spiritual entrepreneurs" and how this will benefit us a Unitarian Universalist community seeking to grow from where we are today.
Today's address is given by Aaron Poeze, a member of our congregation. The music is provided by pianist, Robyn Filmer who is playing for the first time at our Church. As election day looms, it is appropriate and timely that Aaron's address is about individual and collective stupidity. But this is only one side of what Aaron refers to as the stupidity-intelligence binary. Intelligence is so often oversimplified by attempts to measure or quantify it - such as IQ. And there are the assumptions we might all make about letters that appear before (Prof. Dr.) - or after someone's name (such as academic qualifications). Aaron observes that in living our lives, there will be many opportunities for us all to act wisely and intelligently - with insight but also to display individual and collective stupidity. Listen on for Aaron's penetrating insights into the "Stupidity-Intelligence binary" that we all find ourselves on - lurching somewhere between these two extremes.
In this Mother's Day service, our lay leader, Jennie Dyster focuses on the life, philosophy and music of the Unitarian composer, Edvard Grieg and his wife, the famous soprano, Nina Grieg. Jennie describes Edvard as a man "who never lost the common touch". An inclusive humanism under girded his world view and convictions. Grieg interacted with kings, queens, kaisers and musical geniuses on the same scale of respect and enjoyment as he did with peasants, shepherds, shop-keepers, sailors, farmers and fiddlers. His life and music was concerned with speaking to, uplifting and protecting the precious human spark he recognised within each person. Grieg, the Unitarian - was a man shaped by his quest for spirituality. Jennie is supported musically by Margaret Lambert whose inspired playing of some of Grieg's best known music also includes the less-well-known but very beautiful "Reflections" that she uncovered whilst preparing the music for this service. Listen on to Jennie's unfolding of the story behind this remarkable Norwegian musician and Unitarian and excerpts from Margaret Lambert's musical tribute to Grieg.
Today Jennie explores historical examples of how weird, "fringe" ideas and theories may one day find validation through social and scientific consensus to become orthodoxy.
Jenny commences her Easter address with a quote from the Unitarian hymn writer and story teller, Sophia Lyons Fahs explaining to children how the Christian Easter stories surrounding Jesus' death and resurrection morphed into what is the lynch-pin of Christian "faith" and "belief", today. Jenny also links the festivals of the three major Abrahamic religions and Buddhist teachings with the arrival of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere, heralding the promise of light, warmth and regeneration. Jenny's Easter address provides listeners with a clear statement of what Unitarians share with (other) Christians in the core teachings of Jesus to be found within the New Testament and how Unitarians - while "out of step" with mainstream Christianity in rejecting the resurrection of Jesus from the dead and his ascension into heaven, may still draw on the teachings of Jesus to find inspiration and guidance in how we live our lives.
Jennie Dyster, our Lay Leader's address today is titled "Our Unitarian Ways". Our members were required to vote on an issue affecting our "bush-land" - a very special and biodiverse remnant of Obliqua woodland located in the Adelaide Hills where our bush-carers give practical expression to our Seventh Principle “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part”. The service also celebrated our Fifth Principle: "The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large", which guides us in resolving a potentially divisive issue - peacefully and respectfully.
Jennie - our Lay Leader has been reflecting on clothes - their power to impress others and to oppress the people who make them. Today, Jennie focuses on pockets - fashionable and unfashionable, deep, generous - usually male - pockets and shallow, and female pockets-less generous or missing altogether as "unfeminine and unfashionable". Jennie begins with a quote by Stephanie Dowrick: "Generosity arises out of an intention to care, way beyond the limits of one's own self or the group to which one is immediately attached. It is expressed in a thousand ways ...Giving something up for the sake of someone else...Spreading goodwill and peace".
Jennie's central tenet is that the decisions we make about clothes can help us live out our faith and justice practices. Listen on for much more of Jennie's insightful address.
On Sunday, 20th March, 2022, we celebrated the United Nations International Day of Happiness and Jennie Dyster, our Lay Leader chose "happiness" as her theme. Jennie commenced with a reading from the Dutch Author, Guus Kuijer's "Book of Everything". This was followed with some anecdotes that explored the nature of happiness and some of the myths. We finished with a meditation. Listen on for another of Jennie's memorable addresses.
My talk today is on the "Psychology of Denial". There's a lot of denial happening lately, especially as State and Commonwealth elections loom. I begin by asking the question "Why do people deny the blindingly obvious? Why do we, our governments, corporations - large and small - avoid the hard decisions by resorting to denial. We all do it! I refer to Denial and the use of conspiracy theories as lazy ways to face up to the realities of global warming, climate change and species extinction. It's easier to deny - to claim that the evidence is a lie or a conspiracy! We are counting the cost of Denial in unprecedented bushfires and flooding events and the consequential rise of zoonotic diseases as natural environmental systems break down due to human over-population and over-exploitation. I also look to the causes of Denial by describing the phenomenon of Cognitive Dissonance. The term was first used in the classic 1957 study in Social Psychology by the American Psychologist, Leon Festinger - "When Prophecy Fails". If we're really honest with ourselves, we all have cognitive dissonance and denial. It's located somewhere near our "Achilles Heel" - wherever we are at our most vulnerable. Cognitive dissonance occurs when our beliefs and actions aren't supported by the evidence - and especially by the science. I also despair over the loss of "One Vote - One Value" within the Commonwealth of Australia, one of the world's oldest democracies - now more accurately described as "The Corporate-wealth of Australia". Large corporations and land and property developers buy political favours with donations such as 'platinum memberships' and political donations. Governments are weakening - rather than strengthening ICAC protections against political corruption. I also refer to The Red Flag Act (1865-1896) of the Westminster Parliament to explain political procrastination and stone-walling on many urgent environmental issues where we've already reached the tipping point for species extinction. It will include Us! There is no Planet B! If you decide not to listen to this, you may be in denial and will become part of the problem! Let's all be part of the solution!
Jennie's Address today is called "February Dragon" a reference to Colin Thiele's 1965 novel. Jennie reminds us that the fire season now extends from November to April. Jennie's focus today is on political inertia following the unprecedented fire storms of 2019 to 2021 and the challenges faced by fire fighters. She recalls the political responses made at the peak of these bushfires: by our Prime Minister - "I'm focused on the needs of the people in this room today" - and by an Eastern State's Minister - that "this is not the time for a conversation by people who want to politicise climate change." As both State and Federal elections draw nigh, Jennie asks - "When is the time?" In Adelaide - we've enjoyed a comparatively cool and comfortable summer. A war is now raging in the Ukraine. Large areas of the eastern states are flooded, inducing a temporary amnesia, washing away memories of Thiele's February Dragon. Floods and fires are both caused by global warming and climate change. Elections are approaching and many pollies are still mute on the subject. Voters, distracted by war - are left with stone-walling, political inertia and inaction by our leaders. Isn't now the time?!
Today's service - "For the Love of Art" is conducted by two of our members, both Art lovers - Janet and Peter Whitham. Janet, an artist since childhood - talks about her love of painting, the joy of sharing her art amongst her family and friends and seeing it displayed in local restaurants and impromptu galleries that have sprung up to display the works of local artists such as herself. Peter's contribution focuses on the inspirational, religious art of Renaissance Italy, that spanned two centuries. He reflects on the al-fresco and other masterpieces of Giotto, Masaccio, Michaelangelo, del Castagno, Fra Angelico, Raffaello and Tintoretto - inspired by such biblical references as the temptation of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and the life of Jesus. Their works progressively elevate us from being mere "puppets" that reinforce religious dogma to reflect a growing, humanistic regard for us as "creatures of emotion and intellect". Peter also focuses on the art of Northern Europe such as Jan van Eyck, Grunewald (Crucifixion) and Albrecht Dürer and reflects on the impact of viewing such masterpieces as Rembrandt's "The Night Watch" in the Rijksmuseum. Listen to the reflections of these two Art Lovers - one finding inspiration and joy in creating it - both drawing inspiration from it.
Today, Jennie 's address is on the legacy left by the Vietnamese-born Zen Buddhist Master - Thích Nhất Hạnh who died recently - on Jan 22nd 2022 - aged a venerable 95. Thích Nhất Hạnh was widely mourned and leaves a legacy of universal wisdoms. It was Thích Nhất Hạnh who developed the concept of "Engaged Buddhism" - non-violent actions that effectively tackle the evils of the world. Listen on for an inspiring address by Jennie Dyster, our pastoral Leader.
Today, Jennie describes the contribution of the Sikh community within India, and globally. During Australian droughts, floods, and bushfires it comes in the most practical way possible - cooking up large quantities of vegetarian food in the face of storms - to aid the needy and those affected by natural disasters. This practical support is given freely, without any expectation of the quid pro quo that so often accompanies the work of some other charitable aid. Listen on for Jennie's insights into the Sikh Community's practical contribution during those hard, stormy times.
Today we observe our annual blessing of our children's school bags as they return to a third school year disrupted by the Covid Pandemic. However the children are missing. They are viewing this service from their homes via You Tube - after enjoying yesterday's picnic together at Penfold Park. This marks our first live-streaming of a service. Jennie's address is titled "Only Connect". It's all about the primacy of our social connections and the disruption caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic. Jennie commences with a letter from Susan, the President of the Unitarian Universalist Association in America who offers pastoral and spiritual support to our church. Susan provides some insights into the American social and political experience of the pandemic. Out of the comparisons that inevitably arise, comes some sound practical and spiritual advice from Jenny about maintaining the quality of our social and spiritual connections in hard times. Listen on!
Today, Peter, one of our "rusted-on" Unitarians - links the progressive liberal, social and theological thinking of past and present Unitarians and Unitarian Universalists within the Adelaide Unitarian Church - back to the progressive thinking of Catherine Helen Spence - emancipist, journalist, writer, novelist and social and political reformer. Catherine was a member of our church for sixty years - from 1850 until her death in 1910. Called “The Grand Old Woman of Australia” by fellow novelist, Miles Franklin - a pseudonym for Stella Maria Sarah Franklin, our "Kate" published her novels under her own name and also led Australia-wide campaigns for electoral reform: female emancipation - giving women the right to vote, with SA becoming an Australian and world leader in electoral reform. Listen on for much more of a history that we Unitarians can be proud of!
Jennie's address today begins with the Lord's Prayer: "Give us this day our daily bread". Jennie then adds some spin! "Bread isn't just food. It's a metaphor, symbol and summation of a larger journey through life". It's part of the Eucharist - which Unitarians don't observe. However we don’t exclude divine and transcendent experiences - and food may provide both! Jennie refers to two of our UU Principles: The 2nd: "Justice, Equity and Compassion in human relations" and the 6th: "The Goal of World Community - with Peace, Liberty and Justice for All". When it is abundant, food is so readily taken for granted. However, the social and global inequities in the distribution of - and access to - food, leads to extremes of obesity and starvation. There is also a growing community ignorance about sources of nutritious, fresh food as distinct from highly processed "junk" food from fast food outlets, insinuated daily into our psyches through TV ads. Fresh, nutritious food, provided directly from the ground - from nature, has a divine and transcendent "spirituality" about it - as does its preparation. It leads to better health outcomes. Listen on for much more "food for thought" (about food) in this thoughtful and provocative address.
Today's address by our Lay-leader, Jennie Dyster is all about "Patience". She commences with a definition: "Patience is a virtue - a state of high moral excellence". However this is immediately followed by a qualification: "Under what circumstances is patience a virtue and when is it perceived as a weakness? ...When to speak out? ...When to show restraint? This is the dilemma inherent in the virtue of "patience". Listen on for more of Jennie's insights.
Today's service is conducted by our President, John Hall. It's the first Sunday in January - the month in the Roman calendar named after the two-faced god, Janus. Janus is shown with two faces. One face is looking backwards - in reflection and one face is looking forward - in hope. John forgoes the traditional New Year's Address and offers a selection of inspirational readings for us to reflect on. These readings might even direct us towards new resolutions, new opportunities, new possibilities, ...or even new beginnings!
Today's service is all about the meaning of Christmas. The first part of the service is conducted by the children of the Church. In the second part of the service, Jennie read us a Christmas story with a difference from the UU Magazine by Doug Muder. It builds tension between his own UU understanding and what Christmas has become for many. Listen on!
In our multi-faith service today, we welcomed four speakers: - Phillipa, President of the Multi-faith Association - a Buddhist, Michael, a Sukyo Marhikari practioner, (Rev.) Esmond, a retired Uniting Church Minister representing the Progressive Christianity Network and (Rabbi) Shoshana from the Beit Shalom Progressive Synagogue. We also celebrate the religious plurality and diversity to be found within the churches and organisations affiliated with the Multi-faith Association and the commonality of what we all share - spiritually and in our vision for a better world. Listen on!
Jennie Dyster's address today is titled "Art Is Fun". She starts with a reading from "Hard Times" the 19th Century novel by the Unitarian novelist and social reformer, Charles Dickens: Mr Gradgrind's lecture to Sissy Jupe on the importance of Facts. It's the antithesis to Jennie's theme today. Jennie explains how - in creating their art, artists will find spiritual, uplifting, transforming - even transcendant experiences - as will those who enjoy the Arts. The Arts are for everyone - whether we are performers or visual artists - or spectators. Art is Fun!
This service and Jennie's address preceded our Church's AGM on Sunday, 28th November. Jennie chose the topic of Democracy - with reference to our UUA 5th and the 2nd Principles. Evolving historically from the "direct democracy" of ancient Greece, the idea of democracy then morphed into monarchies ruling with "divine right" and later, into representative, parliamentary democracy and responsible Government with rule - in theory - "by the People" - ostensibly - "for the People". Drawing on issues drawn from contemporary Australian politics, Jenny describes how Australian democracy is being eroded to the extent that we are in danger of losing it.
Jennie sees hope in "direct democracy" and "sortition" - such as citizen "juries" and how these initiatives might be used to restore the democracy we've lost. Jennie concludes by focusing on today's AGM, the impending election of members of our Church to the CoM and how democratic values are being applied within our church governance.
In their joint address today, titled "Coming Out and Inviting In", members, Miranda and Aaron jointly describe the challenges faced by LGBTQ people and others in "coming out of their closets". They also define the criteria by which inclusivity is measured and the challenges that remain for us as a church in "Inviting In" - welcoming into our midst, those with the courage to throw open the doors of their closets. Only then might we become the fully inclusive and welcoming church we claim to be. This is an address not to be missed!
Jennie's address today is all about charity. Her aim is for us all to think about what charity is, what the benefits are, what the pitfalls are and why the idea of charity can cause a degree of "irritation, discomfort and agitation - especially when we find our letterboxes stuffed with glossy brochures, personalised stickers with our names and addresses and a heap of other "stuff" we don't want". "Is there a way through all these irritations without becoming uncharitable?" Jenny asks. Jennie maintains that Charity - our 4th Instinct - moves us beyond the tyranny of our atavistic "fight/flight" to the liberation of a practical spirituality that can transform our everyday lives: - "If we choose to "give rein" to this fourth instinct , it will change our lives - and the world"! Jenny concludes this inspiring address with a practical example of Charity in Action by someone well-known to many of us.
Today's address is given by The Rev. Nicholas Rundle, the Uniting Church Chaplain at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Nicholas reflects on today - Halloween, marked on the Christian calendar as "All Saints day" - or "All Souls day". As Nicholas's title might suggest, it's all about the "wheels, circles and cycles" of our lives. Nicholas refers to that cyclic, repetitive wheel marked by "the breath, the tides, the seasons of the Moon and the tides (the highs and lows) of our human lives. He compares it to the outer rim and six spokes of the "wheel" icon our 7 Principles - a "reciprocity" radiating both inwards and outwards from that "sacred centre" of our Unitarian Universalist wheel - the human person, ourselves! The relationships we have in this life reflect a higher and hidden cosmic order, cyclic in nature - to quote Bernard Kastrup: "a universal consciousness out of which the material world emerges for our comprehension". It comes at a time when leaders, now meeting in Glasgow - will make globally significant decisions to reduce carbon emissions by "building bridges" that unite - rather than digging trenches that divide. Only this will secure the unifying rim of our wheel of our 7 UU Principles - "the interdependent web of all existence of which we are all a part". Bridges must reign supreme! Listen on for a very insightful address by Nicholas.
"Progress is a bit like development," Jennie says from the outset. "It refers to a movement to an improved state." Jennie mentions commercial and economic "progress?" within large cities but emphasises a range of social developments aimed at ending discrimination that have led to positive transformations in the 20th and the first two decades of the 21st Centuries: Feminism, the "Me Too" movement, and discrimination based on Disability. There is also "progress" in the social media where Jennie points to positive and negative developments. Finally, with reference to Jared Diamond's "Collapse", Jennie points to our ultimate challenge - to reach global sustainability! Jennie ends her address today on a cheerful, hopeful note. So listen on!
Our service - and Jennie's address today is focused on supporting the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC) Weekend of Climate Action where religious groups - including the Unitarian Church of SA - acknowledge the interdependent relationship between human welfare and that of the planet, between social justice and ecological integrity and the threat posed to these by human-induced climate change. Today, we acknowledge the uniqueness of our varied religious traditions and celebrate that we stand united - in working for an ecologically and socially sustainable future. And as they represent our hope for a sustainable future, our children play a significant role at the commencement of today's service - with the launch of their poster - and in their concluding contributions. In seeking effective and prompt political action on climate change, Jennie asks - "How is it possible to ask for something within the realms of the (politically) possible whilst still being sufficiently in line with the science - so as not to be too late?" Listen on for a special celebration of the unity within the religious response to climate action - led by our Sunday Club children and by Jennie - our lay Leader.
In introducing the Transcendentalist poet, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Peter Whitham, a member of our church takes us back to the socio-political milieu of England in the late 18th Century, when revolutionary ideas - fueled by inequality, poverty, unemployment, hunger and a life expectancy of less than 40 years - had spread from France. A paranoid British Government suspected Unitarian free-thinkers and reformers such as Joseph Priestley and Thomas Fyshe-Palmer of sedition. Into this political maelstrom came the Transcendentalist Romantic Poets - Wordsworth, Coleridge and - later, the American poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson. They argued for a Transcendent God. Coleridge - and other Unitarian idealists helped shape the Unitarian, reformist values of the time: adherence to an idealistic system of thought based on a belief in the essential unity of all creation, the innate goodness of humanity and - for the revelation of our deepest truths - the supremacy of insight over logic and experience. listen on for Peter's insightful address.
As as you might half expect from the title of today's address, Jennie's starting point is a brief "recap" of Charles Dickens's novel of the same name. But - to quote Jennie's intro - "if you've come to this address with "Great Expectations", you might as well resign yourself to having them dashed to the ground!" - Or should you? According to one best-selling author, life-coach and podcast host who has made a career of steering people and organizations to their highest potential - having no expectations, accepting what is - would be infinitely easier and you'd be happier. Or would you? While this advice seems somewhat inconsistent with what we might expect from a life-coach's business plan, Jennie asks us "Should we have great expectations or not?" And what expectations should we have in relationships?…in marriage? And what about women's expectations and the under-utilisation of their talents in music, medicine and many other fields? Expectations shape reality. Listen on to a wonderful address given in our Adelaide Church on Sunday, 3rd October!
Miranda, one of our younger members - leads us in today's service today held on 26th September 2021. Miranda's subject is allodoxaphobia - the fear of what others might be thinking of us or - even worse still - overhearing other people’s opinions about us that confirm our worst fears. Miranda raises the question - "If all of us a little allodoxaphobic, how can we move beyond this fear and live our lives to the full?" Our seven Unitarian Universalist (U.U.) Principles challenge us to do so. Under Miranda's direction and involvement, we then form into small groups to discover - through sharing - how our UU Principles may help with our allodoxaphobia. Listen on!
Jennie's address today, this 19th September, 2021 - is on the subject of Belief ... e.g. belief in Love! - even love that may …..at times....frequently? fall well short of Bliss! Jenny also acknowledges the recent death of the former Episcopalian Bishop of Newark, John Spong who subjected all the unbelievable bits of scripture to a rational, 20th Century scientific scrutiny that is so congruent with Unitarian Universalist beliefs today. Listen on!
This early Spring Sunday - 12th September, saw us celebrating our annual Unitarian Flower Communion, first held by Unitarian minister, Norbert Čapek in Prague, Czechoslovakia in June 1923. Each person would bring a flower to church. Early in the service, each would place a flower in a large central vase and at the conclusion of the flower communion, each would depart with a different flower. This sharing of flowers within the Flower Communion is a celebration of the uniqueness and diversity of flowers - and of each other. We also remember the martyrdom of Norbert Čapek in 1942, when he was taken to the Dachau concentration camp, imprisoned, tortured and eventually gassed. Norbert Čapek leaves the Flower Communion to us as his lasting legacy.